Ardh Kumbh Mela preparations almost complete

Allahabad, Dec 21: Preparations for the world's biggest religious fair, Ardh Kumbh, beginning at Sangam, the confluence of the three rivers Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswati, from January 3, the auspicious day of 'Paush Poornima', are almost over.

The state government has sanctioned Rs 170 crore for the completion of works to various departments including PWD, Jal Sansthan, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation and Nagar Nigam.

The construction of 14 temporary bridges on the Ganga, maintenance of roads, laying of water pipes and electricity works has been completed. To monitor the inflow and outflow of pilgrims and traffic regulations, the Mela administration will install big screens and close TV circuits at all important entry points.

The entire Mela area has been divided into 11 sectors and is spread in 7,151 bighas of land, which is 7.88 bighas more than the Maha Kumbh of 2001. Thirty police stations and 35 police sub-stations have already been set up. The police force to be deployed in the Mela is being given special training.

Besides, the Mela area has been divided into 10 grades and to keep an eye on anti-social elements, 28 CCTVs are being installed at various important points.

The Indian Railways is going to run special trains and will add more coaches in the trains passing through here to clear the Mela rush. The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has also decided to run 300 more special buses during the period.

But the major problem which the Mela administration is facing is to provide clear water in the river Ganga. The saints and sadhus are demanding clean water in the river for the last couple of years but the administration has failed to meet the demand. The saints have threatened for taking 'jal samadhi' if the administration failed to provide clean water during the Mela.

The Allahabad High Court on a PIL had ordered for the release of 1,000 cusec water from the Narora dam during the Ardh Kumbh Mela and tapping of the flow of the affluents of tanneries of Kanpur.

UNI