Preparations Underway for Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan in Prayagraj

Prayagraj: Following the successful completion of Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti festivities, the Uttar Pradesh government has shifted its focus to the upcoming Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan scheduled for January 29, 2025. On Thursday, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar visited the Maha Kumbh area to oversee the preparations. A high-level review meeting was also held at the ICCC auditorium during their visit.

Reviewing Past Successes

Addressing the gathering, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh expressed satisfaction with the arrangements made for the previous festivals. “The seamless organization of Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti, celebrated together after 144 years, provided us with a dress rehearsal for the Mauni Amavasya preparations,” Singh said. He emphasized enhancing the arrangements for the Mauni Amavasya festival to ensure a smooth experience for devotees.

Prime Minister’s Visit and Cabinet Meeting

The Chief Secretary hinted at a potential visit by the Prime Minister and a Cabinet meeting during the Maha Kumbh. He instructed that all preparations for these events be completed promptly. Sector magistrates, police personnel, and departmental officials were advised to remain present in all designated sectors.

Railway and Transport Enhancements

Singh reviewed the facilities provided by Indian Railways, suggesting improvements in signage for clear communication with devotees. Digital screens at railway stations will display information about train schedules and platform details, along with the distance to Sangam. Additionally, the transport department was directed to increase bus services, especially to destinations like Ayodhya, and ensure effective crowd management at closed stations.

Infrastructure and Amenities

The Chief Secretary highlighted the need for robust telecom infrastructure to avoid network issues during the festival. He urged the Public Works Department (PWD) to install sturdy iron railings on all pontoon bridges and ensure additional signage for better navigation. On sanitation, he mandated sufficient toilets and urinals at Sangam Nose, with special VIP facilities in the Akhara area. All 1.5 lakh toilets should be installed by January 20, he instructed.

Water Supply and Cleanliness

Ensuring potable water availability, Singh directed the irrigation department to maintain water levels and purity at the ghats. Public and private institutions in the Mela area, including Judges’ and Media Colonies, will be prioritized for water connections.

Law and Order

DGP Prashant Kumar emphasized the deployment of adequate police personnel, timely reporting for duty, and reinforced barricading in necessary areas. Strict patrolling and surveillance of suspicious individuals were mandated. He also advised against distributing food on roads, designating specific areas for such activities.

Parking and Crowd Management

To accommodate the influx of vehicles, the administration will implement a system to divert vehicles to alternate parking lots once capacity is reached. All parking facilities will be equipped with cameras, adequate lighting, and manpower. Balloon markers with numbers will help visitors locate parking areas easily.

Lost and Found Centers

Principal Secretary of Urban Development Amrit Abhijat recommended frequent announcements at lost-and-found centers to prevent panic among attendees.

Additional Security Measures

DIG Kumbh Vaibhav Krishna announced the creation of three new zones in the Akhara area and additional police deployment on pontoon bridges. Barricading and signage installation will also be handled by the police.

Upcoming Key Initiatives

Both Chief Secretary Singh and DGP Kumar instructed that electricity poles near Sangam Nose be numbered for easy identification. This will aid visitors and ensure efficient crowd management.

With the Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan being one of the most significant events of the Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh administration is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring a seamless and sacred experience for millions of devotees. Senior officials, including Commissioner Vijay Vishwas Pant, ADG Prayagraj Bhanu Bhaskar, Mela Officer Vijay Kiran Anand, and District Magistrate Ravindra Mandar, were present during the inspections and meetings.

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