75 lakhs expected to take holy dip on Makar Sankranti

Ardh Kumbh Nagar, Jan 13 (UNI) Amid unprecedented security, more than seven million people are expected to take the holy dip in the sacred waters of the Sangam on January 14 and 15 on the occasion of Makar Sankranti.

Tomorrow, about five million devotees are expected to take a dip on the firts of the four 'shahi snans' (holy bath).

January 15, the second day of Sankranti, will be marked by the first of the four Shahi Snans (Royal Bath), when the saints, mahants and sadhus from 13 'akharas' would take bath in the holy waters. An estimated 2.5 million pilgrims are expected to arrive here on the day, Mela Officer Pragyan Ram Mishra said here.

Elaborate security arrangements have been made in and around the mela area in view of the apprehension of terrorist attack during the month-long religious extravaganza.

SSP Ardh Kumbh Mela Rajiv Sabbarwal refused to divulge on the intelligence input about the terrorist attack, but said the police was fully equipped to thwart any nefarious design.

He said all entry points of the mela had been tightened as well as suspected vistors were being put to thorough frisking.

As many as 28 police stations, 35 police outposts, 26 fire stations, five police lines and five missing-and-found centres have already been opened in the mela area, including 10 anti-sabotage team to keep vigil on the activities of suspected terrorists and anti-social elements.

Ten companies of PAC, three companies of BSF, 24 companies of CRPF, five companies of river police, besides 11,000 jawans of civil police and homeguards have been deployed for mela duty.

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