No Dam Water for the Flag Hoisting, Says Collector; Ramkund Stays Dry for Now
Nashik Collector Ayush Prasad has said dam water cannot be released for religious events, including the 31 October flag hoisting, because the government resolution does not allow it. This contradicts the Sakal report that a Gangapur release would refill Ramtirth. Kumbh Commissioner Shekhar Singh says a meeting with the water resources department will still take a call.
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First announced on
Update to our 18 October story: Gangapur release planned to refill Ramtirth. That post was based on a Sakal report that a rotation from the Gangapur dam group would refill the dry Godavari at Ramtirth before the flag hoisting. The district administration has now said it cannot release dam water for this purpose.
The Times of India reported on 19 October 2026 that the Nashik district administration has ruled out releasing dam water for any religious purpose, including the Dhwajarohan (flag hoisting) at 12:02 PM on Saturday 31 October 2026. The Collector's position is on the record. The final word on water for Ramkund is still pending a meeting with the water resources department.
What officials said
- Collector Ayush Prasad: "We have not received any such demand from NTKMA. Since the govt resolution does not allow the release of water for this purpose, we cannot release it."
- Kumbh Commissioner Shekhar Singh told reporters on Sunday (18 October) that, given the drought, a meeting with the water resources department will be held soon "to assess the situation and take a call".
- The issue came up at the 16 October meeting of the Kumbh Mela Authority (NTKMA), chaired by Kumbh Mela Minister Girish Mahajan. It discussed sewage flowing into the Godavari, the dry Ramkund, and low water at the Aruna–Godavari confluence, mostly because of construction work.
- A senior NTKMA officer said NMC has been asked to stop drainage entering the Godavari and clear stagnant water. Keeping at least two feet of water at these spots was also discussed. No decision on that has been announced.
Why there is a drought rule when the dams are full
District figures quoted by TOI show reservoirs holding 67 TMC, about 95% of capacity (92.5% a year ago), and the Gangapur complex at 9.9 TMC, 96.5% (98.8% a year ago). Officials say the drought tag comes from uneven rainfall and falling groundwater, not dam storage. Nashik district is drought-hit, Nashik taluka itself is not, and downstream Niphad is. BBC Marathi reports that 13 of Nashik's 15 talukas are in drought.
Reports that don't match
- Sakal (17 October) said Guardian Minister Girish Mahajan had confirmed a Gangapur release of about 150 to 200 MCFT. No order was ever published.
- Pudhari (19 October) still writes that a rotation will be released from Gangapur for the flag hoisting and that the administration expects it to wash away debris in the riverbed.
- BBC Marathi (19 October) says the Purohit Sangh and sadhus and mahants have asked for the river to be flowing for the ceremony, and that a Gangapur release was being considered.
Until the water resources department meeting takes a call, treat any release as undecided.
What is ready at Ramkund
Pudhari reports that Ramkund and Gandhi Talav have been cleaned, ghat repairs and levelling are almost done, both flag masts are up, and encroachments on the ghats have been cleared. Downstream of the bridge near Dutondya Maruti the dry riverbed still smells, because clothes, nirmalya and idols are lying in the mud.
If you are visiting
- Ramkund stays closed to devotees until 31 October. See Ramkund and ghats closed before the flag hoisting.
- If you are coming for shraddh or other rites at Ramtirth, don't assume there will be water before 31 October. Check with your purohit first.
- City water is tight too: Mayor hints at 10% water cut, 24 October shutdown.
- Full programme for 31 October: Dhwajarohan programme.
Related: Kumbh status board, Kumbh dates.
