By Our Staff Reporter
Dehradun, 16 Jan: While reviewing the Kumbh Mela preparations and works at the Chief Minister’s residence, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat instructed the officers that the remaining works be completed soon and special attention be paid to the sanitation and cleanliness. Even as the CM and Chief Secretaries are continuously monitoring and reviewing the progress of Kumbh Mela works, the Juna Akhara sadhus today staged a protest in Haridwar against lack of facilities and preparations on part of the administration for the Kumbh Mela which is due to begin soon! In fact, the Makar Sankranti Snan (bathing) was already held on 14 January which marks the beginning of Kumbh Mela. It may be recalled that Kumbh Mela would formally begin with the Shahi Snan of the Akharas in a few weeks from now!
Chairing the review meeting, the CM directed that all the arrangements be completed in time for the convenience of the devotees. Cooperation of voluntary organisations, social organisations and people also be taken towards maintaining sanitation and cleanliness in the Kumbh Mela area. He also directed that Covid-19 standards be fully adhered to during the Mela. All the works of permanent nature be completed by the end of January. He warned against any compromise in the quality of the works and said that no negligence in the quality of works would be tolerated. He further directed the officials to conduct mass public awareness campaign in view of Kumbh.
The Chief Minister said that all departments work in proper coordination with the Mela administration for hosting a clean, beautiful and safe Kumbh. Proper arrangements for masks and sanitisers be also made in the Mela area to keep Covid under check. The Mela and the district administration ought to conduct mass awareness campaign in this regard through various mediums.
The CM directed that remaining works of temporary nature also be completed soon and beautification should also be completed in time. He observed that there would be a rapid increase in the number of devotees in the upcoming Kumbh festival. In view of this also, all arrangements be planned and prepared in advance.
Urban Development Minister Madan Kaushik said that the Kumbh Mela was a symbol of the faith of the devotees. He said that various aspects related to the national, state’s religious, cultural and faith would be brought to the fore in Kubh Mela. In this regard, the officers were instructed not to be lax in any form in hosting the Mela in an orderly and safe manner.
Giving information about Kumbh Mela at the government level, Secretary Urban Development Shailesh Bagoli said that the works related to Kumbh Mela were being given top priority. In this regard, the budget was being allocated on real time basis in respect of the proposals received by the government.
Giving information about the work being done in Kumbh, Mela Officer Deepak Rawat said that most of the works of permanent nature had been completed, the remaining works would also be completed soon. Most of the works related to roads and bridges had been completed. All necessary works of National Highway would be completed soon.
Chief Secretary Om Prakash, DGP Ashok Kumar, Secretary Finance Amit Negi, Secretary Nitesh Jha, Secretary Dr Pankaj Pandey, Secretary SA Murugesan, IG Mela Sanjay Gunjyal and other senior officials were present.
