Preparations in Full Swing for Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagra
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The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest religious gatherings, is scheduled to take place in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26, 2025. Preparations are in full swing to accommodate an anticipated 400 million visitors.
Infrastructure and Facilities:
Expanded Area: The Mela will span over 4,000 hectares, an increase from the 3,200 hectares in 2019, to better accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
Sanitation: Over 150,000 toilets and urinals are being installed, with a dedicated workforce of around 10,000 sanitation workers to maintain cleanliness.
Transportation: The Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation plans to operate more than 7,000 special buses, including 550 shuttle buses, to facilitate pilgrim movement.
Accommodation: More than 1.5 lakh tents are being set up for visitors, and the government is promoting homestay options to provide additional lodging and boost local income.
Security Measures:
Personnel Deployment: Approximately 50,000 security personnel will be deployed, a 50% increase from 2019, to ensure the safety of attendees.
Surveillance: Over 2,500 cameras, some equipped with AI capabilities, will monitor crowd movements to prevent stampedes and manage large gatherings effectively.
Traffic Management: Special traffic plans are being implemented to ensure smooth movement, with a focus on preventing congestion during peak bathing days.
Cultural and Religious Significance:
The Maha Kumbh Mela holds profound importance in Hinduism, symbolizing the victory of gods over demons. Held every 12 years, it commemorates the mythical battle for nectar that lasted 12 years. The event will feature major bathing dates, including Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, and Basant Panchami on February 3.
Government Initiatives:
Prohibition Measures: In respect of Sanatan traditions, the sale of meat and liquor will be prohibited in Prayagraj during the Mela period.
Environmental Efforts: The government is committed to ensuring the purity and uninterrupted flow of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, aiming for zero discharge of pollutants from Bijnor to Ballia.
Healthcare Services: Temporary hospitals, akin to AIIMS, are being established to provide free medical services, including MRI scans, to over a million patients during the event.
Recent Developments:
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has been actively reviewing preparations, emphasizing the need for timely completion of infrastructure projects by December 10, 2024. He has also invited dignitaries, including President Droupadi Murmu and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, to attend the Mela.
The administration is working diligently to ensure that the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela is a seamless, safe, and spiritually enriching experience for all attendees.
