Indore's Bold Cleanup Ahead of 2028 Simhastha-Kumbh Mela

Indore officials plan to remove 1,500 encroachments in the Kanh and Saraswati river catchment areas as part of a campaign to make the Kshipra river pollution-free ahead of the 2028 Simhastha-Kumbh Mela. The cleanup includes a Rs 600-crore rejuvenation plan featuring new sewage treatment plants and extensive sewage infrastructure.

Authorities in Indore have announced the removal of approximately 1,500 makeshift houses encroaching on the catchment areas of the Kanh and Saraswati rivers, in preparation for the 2028 Simhastha-Kumbh Mela in Ujjain.

This decision forms part of a broader campaign to ensure the Kshipra river is pollution-free, an official said. The Simhastha Mela, held every 12 years, attracts tens of thousands of Hindu devotees for a holy dip. According to scriptures, the Kshipra river originated from the heart of Varaha, an incarnation of Lord Vishnu.

Indore Collector Ashish Singh revealed that the first phase involves removing about 1,500 kuccha houses from the river catchment areas. Efforts to relocate affected residents have been delayed by rains but will resume in five to ten days, following directives from the National Green Tribunal and MP High Court to clear encroachments within 30 meters of the rivers.

Officials have identified around 3,000 encroachments in total, including permanent residential and commercial buildings. Despite Indore's reputation as India's cleanest city, pollution from the Kanh and Saraswati rivers has severely impacted the Kshipra river, rendering its water unfit for ritual purposes. To combat this, the administration has devised a comprehensive Rs 600-crore rejuvenation plan, which includes setting up new sewage treatment plants and laying a 450-km sewage line.

(With inputs from agencies.)