The remaining works related to the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar should be completed soon and special focus should be laid on the sanitation arrangements. Chief minister Trivendra Singh Rawat issued these directions while chairing a meeting to review Kumbh Mela works here on Saturday.

The CM said that considering the convenience of devotees, all the arrangements should be completed on time. The cooperation of voluntary organisations, social organisations and the public should also be taken in the cleanliness campaign. Further, the Covid-19 standards should be fully observed, stressed Rawat. He said that all works of a permanent nature should be completed by the end of January, adding that any negligence towards the quality of works will not be tolerated. He also directed that an elaborate public awareness campaign be undertaken in view of the Kumbh Mela.

Stating that all departments should work in coordination with the Mela administration for a clean, beautiful and safe Kumbh Mela, Rawat said that there should be adequate arrangement for masks and sanitisers in the Mela area. The Mela and district administration should also undertake a public awareness campaign on Covid-19 through various media. The remaining works of a temporary nature should also be completed soon along with the beautification work which should also be completed on time, he said. All arrangements should be made with advance planning as the number of devotees will increase considerably on the special Kumbh Mela occasions, said the CM.

The Urban Development minister Madan Kaushik said that various aspects of the nation and state related to religion, culture and faith will be brought to the fore in the Kumbh Mela.

The officials concerned have been directed that there should be no shortcoming towards organising a divine and grand Kumbh Mela, said the minister.

Urban Development secretary Shailesh Bagauli informed that top priority is being accorded to Kumbh Mela works.

On the approved proposals, decisions are being taken immediately and the budget is also being allocated, he said.

Kumbh Mela officer Deepak Rawat informed about the works being undertaken for the Kumbh Mela stating that the majority of works of a permanent nature have been completed while the remaining works will also be completed soon. Majority of the works related to roads and bridges have also been completed while all necessary works of the national highway will also be completed soon, he added.

Chief secretary Om Prakash, director general of police, Ashok Kumar, secretaries Amit Singh Negi, Nitesh Jha, Pankaj Pandey, SA Murugeshan, inspector general (Kumbh Mela) Sanjay Gunjyal and officials of the executing agencies were also present in the meeting.