Devotees Protest Planned Demolition of Swami Samarth Seva Kendra for Laxman Jhula

About 900 devotees held a sit-in in Nashik to oppose the planned demolition of the Swami Samarth Seva Kendra. The centre is 20 years old and stands on the bank of the Godavari. The Free Press Journal reported this on 6 October.

This is a media report. It has not been officially confirmed.

What happened

• NMC's notice: Nashik Municipal Corporation (NMC) served a demolition notice on the centre. The aim is to clear the way for the Laxman Jhula riverfront project.
• The devotees' protest: About 900 devotees gathered and staged a sit-in against the notice.
• The MLA's side: Representatives of MLA Devyani Pharande met the devotees. They told them the centre would not be demolished.
• NMC's side: NMC has not responded on record.

Where things stand

Right now there are two different signals. NMC has served a demolition notice. The MLA's representatives have said the centre will not be demolished. NMC has not said in public whether the notice still stands.

We do not know yet what will happen to the centre. No official decision has been published. We are giving each side's account here and take no side.

What this means

• For devotees who visit the centre: We have no report that the centre has closed. But its future is not clear until NMC gives an official word.
• For the Laxman Jhula project: We have no report of any change to the project plan, and no official update on it.

We will update this post when NMC or the devotees' side gives a statement on record.

For bathing places along the Godavari, see our ghats guide. For key Kumbh dates, see the dates page.