New Delhi: The Prayagraj Mahakumbh in 2025 will be different from the previous ones, in that it will be called the ‘Green Kumbh’ for its environmentally conscious approach.
Set to begin on January 13, the government aims to make the Kumbh Mela polythene-free, planting 3 lakh saplings and committing to their preservation. The efforts are part of a broader Rs 5,154 crore plan that includes 327 approved projects and 75 ongoing departmental projects, with a completion target set for October 2024, according to a News18 report.
The apex committee constituted under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary has held 13 meetings so far. Key developments include an expanded fair area of 4,000 hectares, enhanced facilities, and improved infrastructure. New parking lots will accommodate over 5 lakh vehicles, while additional circuit houses and pontoon bridges will be constructed. The Mahakumbh will also feature a concrete VIP ghat and a pucca ghat at Dashashwamedh. A 13-km riverfront and numerous flyovers are under construction to ease traffic congestion.
The Mahakumbh Mela Officer Vijay Kiran Anand was quoted as saying, “The fair will be set up in 25 sectors, while six parking lots are being constructed across 1,900 hectares, in which parking of more than 5 lakh vehicles will be arranged.”
“The number of circuit houses in Mahakumbh has been increased from three to five. Along with this, the number of pontoon bridges is also being increased. Public accommodation, motorboats, changing rooms, places of worship and floating jetty will be built for 25,000 people in the Mahakumbh Mela,” Anand added.
Among other things:
- Special provisions include 10 digital lost and found centres, upgraded railway stations, and a world-class smart road connecting the new airport terminal to the Kumbh site. Artificial intelligence will enhance security, with drones and CCTV cameras monitoring the event.
- Prayagraj Junction railway station and airport have also been expanded. Akshay Vat, Patal Puri, Saraswati Kupe, Hanuman Mandir, Shringverpur Dham and Bhardwaj Corridor are also being constructed for the devotees coming to Mahakumbh.
- Twenty departments of the state government and four departments of the central government are engaged in preparations for Mahakumbh. According to the Kumbh Mela official, land facilities will be allotted to all institutions in the fair from October to December.
- Special arrangements are being made for the smooth travel of devotees and tourists coming from all over India. A world-class smart road is also being made. Green belt and Kumbh Kalash will be built on both sides of this road.
- Infrastructure facilities are also being increased at nine railway stations in Prayagraj. Apart from this, attractive paintings will be done on the roadside.
The Mahakumbh will run for 45 days, featuring three major holy dips on Paush Purnima, Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya. The first festival will be on Paush Purnima on January 13, Makar Sankranti on January 14/15, Mauni Amavasya on January 29, and Basant Panchami on February 3, Achala Saptami on February 5, Kalpvas on February 12 will conclude with the holy dip of Maghi Purnima.
The Maha Kumbh Mela will conclude with Mahashivratri on February 26, 2025. Devotees can expect improved transportation and amenities, ensuring a smooth and spiritually enriching experience.
