The Akhilesh government in Uttar Pradesh is now working overtime to ensure that all preparations for the Kumbh Mela that were delayed due to monsoons are now completed by November.
UP chief secretary Jawed Usmani has directed the concerning officials to complete all construction related works of Kumbh Mela by November this year and also to ensure quality of construction works as per specified standards.
He has directed the PWD principal secretary to visit Allahabad twice a month and submit his report to the government after making spot inspection of the construction works. The chief secretary will be reviewing the progress on a regular basis.
He has also asked the officers to complete remaining work being done by the Ganga Pollution Control Unit by September 30, and directed the officers of UP Power Corporation to ensure completion of all electricity related works by October 15 and submit its report to the government.
For ensuring foolproof security of the Mela site, the chief secretary directed the officials to send a letter to the union home ministry within the next 24 hours seeking adequate security forces. He also directed the Allahabad district administration to remove slums around the mela area and rehabilitate the dwellers.
Meanwhile, the state government has given its sanction for releasing to Allahabad Municipal Corporation and UP Jal Nigam the remaining amount of `11.33 crore as the state’s share for the work approved in 2011-12 for organising Kumbh Mela-2013.
The Kumbh Mela, that begins in January 2013, is expected to attract more than 5 crore pilgrims from across the world with the biggest congregation being on “Mauni Amawasya” on February 10 next year. The state government is expecting the presence of around 3.5 crore pilgrims who will take the holy dip at Sangam.