Rs 170 crore allocated for 2007 Ardh Kumbh Mela

Allahabad, July 2 (UNI) The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated a budget of Rs 170 crore for the 'Ardh Kumbh Mela', slated to start here from January next year.

During Ardh Kumbh, crores of people from across the country and even foreigners congregate in Allahabad and stay for over a month to take a holy dip in river Ganga, besides performing other rituals.

Divisional Commissioner Lalit Verma said instructions had been issued to the departments concerned to complete all the ground work for the Mela by December.

Reviewing the preparations last evening, he said the government was aiming to make the world's largest fair more convenient for pilgrims, saints, sadhus, devotees and tourists.

Ardh Kumbh, which takes place at Sangam -- the confluence of sacred Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswari rivers -- after a gap of six years is one of the most important religious events of the Hindus.

The entire Mela area would be divided in 11 sectors and the Sangam area would be left free to accomodate a large crowd on bathing days. Referring to the precautionary measures to be undertaken for dealing with any untoward situation, he said a seperate road would be kept vacant for use in such emergencies.

Moreover, a separate pontoon bridge would also be kept reserved for meeting any eventuality.

Dr Verma urged all government departments to coordinate in ensuring sucessful and peaceful completion of the work.

The review meeting also discussed in detail power, water, health and other facilities to be provided to devotees.

Meanwhile, the saints are raising their voice against the prevailing pollution in Ganga and threatened to boycott the Ardh Kumbh, if the administration failed to clean the river for bathing and other rituals.

The important bathing days are Paush Poornima (Jan 3), Makar Sankranti (Jan 14/15), Mauni Amavashya (Jan 19), Basant Panchami (Jan 23), Maghi Poornima (Feb 2) and last Maha Shivratri (Feb 16).

The 'Shahi Snans' will take place on January 15, 19 and 23, 2007.

The government is stressing on permanent construction in the Mela area, but the saints are opposing the proposal.

However, permanent construction in the Mela area is not possible as the Ganga frequently changes its course and a large portion of the area is under the occupation of Army.

The saints are also opposing the ''five star culture'' in the mela saying, they come here ''not to live in luxury, but to perform 'pooja' and rituals''.

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