Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh: Preparations for the grand Magh Mela 2026 have officially begun, with Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary S.P. Goyal conducting a high-level review meeting on Monday to assess ongoing works and ensure seamless arrangements for one of the world’s largest annual religious gatherings.
Senior officials from the Mela Administration, Public Works Department, Irrigation, Power, Health, Police, and several other departments participated in the meeting. The Chief Secretary issued firm directives that all works related to Magh Mela 2026 must be completed well before the fair begins, leaving no room for delays or negligence.
Strict Monitoring and Zero Tolerance for Lapses
Emphasizing continuous field inspections by senior officials, Goyal instructed departments to speed up progress wherever work is lagging. He reiterated that construction, sanitation, and all logistical arrangements must meet the highest quality standards, adding that any laxity would not be tolerated.
He stressed the need for a hassle-free experience for arriving saints, seers, pilgrims, and devotees, directing authorities to prioritize cleanliness across the Mela grounds. Proper signage, adequate lighting, and smooth mobility are to be ensured across all major routes.
Enhanced Medical and Safety Arrangements
The Chief Secretary directed officials to activate temporary hospitals with essential medicines, equipment, doctors, and paramedical staff well in advance.
All camps within the Mela area must receive 100% power and drinking water connections, with a fully secure electrical network and comprehensive fire-safety arrangements. Fire tenders, extinguishers, and trained personnel will be stationed proactively.
Anticipating a Massive Footfall
Magh Mela 2026, scheduled from January 3 to February 15, 2026, is expected to attract 12–15 crore pilgrims, prompting authorities to expand and upgrade the fair’s scale.
Key expansions include:
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Bathing ghat length increased from 2 km to 2.8 km (40% rise)
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Number of sectors raised from 5 to 7
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Mela area expanded from 750 to 800 hectares
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Parking zones increased from 30 to 42
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Pontoon bridges increased from 6 to 7
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Institutions allocated space increased from 4,599 to 4,900
Massive Sanitation Infrastructure
To maintain top-tier hygiene, the Mela area will see:
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23,700 community toilets
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2,000 urinals
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6 container-based community toilets
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25 hopper–tippers, 12 compactors, and 8,000 dustbins
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3,300 sanitation workers deployed round-the-clock
Departments Report Rapid Progress
The Jal Nigam informed the Chief Secretary that work for this edition began 25 days earlier than last year. Water distribution, tubewells, and drainage systems will be completed by December 15, 2025. Modern pre-fab STPs are being used instead of open STPs.
The Public Works Department reported starting its work 45 days earlier than last Mela. Construction of all pontoon bridges, Mansaita pontoon culverts, chequered-plate routes, and sector pathways will also be completed by December 15, 2025.
The Power Department assured that electrification works will meet the same deadline, with Ring Main Units (RMUs) and QR codes on electric poles ensuring uninterrupted supply and quick maintenance.
Expansive Medical Network
Medical facilities for Magh Mela 2026 will include:
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Two hospitals, each with 20 beds
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12 primary health centres
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50 ambulances
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5 Ayurvedic and 5 Homoeopathic clinics
These will be active from December 25, 2025, while vector control teams have already begun operations from December 1.
At present, land levelling is 90–95% complete, and road marking work stands at 95%. Tender processes for toilets, tenting, and other critical works have been finalized. Sector offices, sanitation circles, and departmental units have already been set up.
Complete Readiness by December 15
Authorities confirmed that land allotment, camp layout, and all essential infrastructure will be completed by December 15, 2025, paving the way for the smooth commencement of the Mela.
The meeting was attended by Additional Chief Secretary (Medical & Health) Amit Kumar Ghosh, Principal Secretary (Tourism) Amrit Abhijat, Principal Secretary (Urban Development) P. Guru Prasad, ADG (Law & Order) Amitabh Yash, Commissioner Saumya Agarwal, Mela Officer Rishiraj, Prayagraj Municipal Commissioner Seelam Sai Teja, and officials from various departments, including those connected via video conferencing.
As preparations advance rapidly, authorities are determined to make Magh Mela 2026 safer, cleaner, and more expansive than ever before, ensuring a smooth pilgrimage experience for millions of devotees.
