The Kumbh Mela will be held in its divine and grand form at Haridwar in 2021. The government will also pay attention to the tradition of the Kumbh Mela and cultural aspects, said the chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat. The CM said this while attending a meeting with office bearers of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad (ABAP) regarding the preparations for the 2021 Kumbh Mela.
Rawat said that some practical problems have been caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the form of the Kumbh Mela will be expanded considering the status of Covid-19 at that time. The suggestions of the ABAP and the religious fraternity will also be taken in the decisions which will be taken according to the prevailing situation. The efforts of the State government will be aimed at ensuring that the devotees do not face any inconvenience. The Kumbh Mela works are being reviewed periodically and departmental secretaries have been directed to monitor consistently to ensure that the works under progress are completed soon. Seeking information about the progress of works from the Kumbh Mela officer, the CM directed that the permanent works should be completed before the Kumbh starts. The senior officials of the administration should be informed in case any issue is faced. He directed the focus be laid on maintaining cleanliness, removing encroachments and facilitating parking sites. All necessary arrangements should be made keeping Covid-19 in mind, stressed Rawat.
Urban Development minister Madan Kaushik said that all possible effort will be made to resolve issues of the Akhadas. Well planned arrangements will be made to ensure the devotees face no problem during the Kumbh Mela, he said.
The ABAP head Mahant Narendra Giri said that the body will fully cooperate with the state government for the successful organisation of the Kumbh Mela. Stressing on the timely completion of works for a divine and grand Kumbh Mela, he assured full cooperation for whatever decision the government takes regarding the form of the Kumbh Mela considering Covid-19.
The Kumbh Mela officer Deepak Rawat informed that most of the permanent works will be completed by December 15 this year while all works will be completed by December 31. The work on nine new Ghats, eight bridges and roads being built for the Kumbh Mela is nearing completion. Stating that special focus is being laid on cleanliness, he said that work is also being done consistently on drinking water facilitation, parking facility and removal of encroachments.
