Godavari to Flow Again for the Flag Hoisting: Gangapur Release Planned to Refill Ramtirth

The stretch of the Godavari at Ramtirth and Gandhi Talav in Panchavati, kept dry for about two weeks because of Kumbh works, is set to fill again before the Dhwajarohan (flag hoisting) at 12:02 PM on Saturday 31 October 2026. Sakal reported this on 17 October 2026. This is a media report. No release order or date has been published yet.

What Sakal reports

• The administration is preparing to release a rotation of water from the Gangapur dam group, based on demand from water user bodies in the Godavari basin.
• About 150 to 200 million cubic feet (MCFT) is expected to be released. Sakal says this figure is "understood", so treat it as unofficial.
• According to Sakal, Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan has confirmed the release.
• The rotation will also fill Ramtirth and Gandhi Talav for the flag hoisting. Sakal describes this as the administration "killing two birds with one stone".

Why it was a problem

Maharashtra is in drought this year, and the state has ordered that dam water be reserved for drinking. That left the administration asking how and from where to fill Ramtirth and Gandhi Talav for 31 October. Meanwhile, the dry riverbed had become a sore point locally. Sakal says devotees coming from outside Nashik for shraddh rites were inconvenienced, and residents complained of a foul smell.

The city's own water is tight too. The mayor has hinted at a 10% cut, and NMC has scheduled a citywide shutdown on 24 October. See Mayor hints at 10% water cut.

If you are visiting

• Ramkund and the nearby ghats are still under works and restricted. See Ramkund and ghats closed before the flag hoisting.
• No date has been given for when water will reach Ramtirth. If you are coming for shraddh or other rites, check with your purohit before you travel.
• Full programme for 31 October: Dhwajarohan programme.

Related: Kumbh status board, Kumbh dates.