In a significant development, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath visited the Sangam city to review preparations for the upcoming 2024 Magh Mela and 2025 Kumbh Mela. Highlighting the expected surge in pilgrims, he announced extensive upgrades to the mela area aimed at providing superior facilities to visitors, devotees, and kalpwasis.
Yogi Adityanath expressed confidence that the 2024 Magh Mela would serve as a preparatory ground for the grandeur of the 2025 Mahakumbh, emphasizing the need for effective traffic and crowd management. He urged public participation and efficient administration to make the event 'divine' and 'splendid.'
The expansion plan for the 2024 Magh Mela involves an impressive 800-hectare area, divided into six sectors. Notable features include the installation of six pontoon bridges for improved transportation and concerted efforts from various government departments to enhance overall facilities.
In a bid to ensure a clean and green environment, the administration has laid chequered plates over 100 km around the mela campus, installed a 200 km pipeline for water supply, and implemented an extensive 65 km drainage system. Additionally, 18,000 LED street lights illuminate the surroundings, and 21,000 toilets have been set up.
The CM underscored the significance of bathing ghats, announcing plans for six major 'snans' during the Magh Mela, including ritual baths on Makar Sankranti, Paush Purnima, Mauni Amavasuaya, Basant Panchmi, Maghi Purmina, and Mahashivratri. Kalpwasis are scheduled to begin their observance from January 25.
Recognizing the need for advanced crowd control measures, Yogi Adityanath instructed officials to maximize the use of artificial intelligence and drone technology for security and management during the event.
