Over 12 crore pilgrims are expected to visit Prayagraj Kumbh Mela 2019 that starts on January 15 at Prayagraj, formerly known as Allahabad, in Uttar Pradesh (U.P.), said U.P. Urban Development Minister, Suresh Kumar Khanna here on Thursday.
Mr. Khanna said that while 3 crore pilgrims were expected on Mauni Amavasya, another 20 lakh pilgrims are expected daily. Additionally, around 10 lakh foreign tourists are also expected.
Around ₹2,900 crore has been spent to provide facilities to the pilgrims and ₹116 crore spent on safety provisions. “We have established a command control centre and 40 police stations, three ladies’ police stations, 15 fire stations and 40 watch towers. Besides, 2,000 police officers and 20 companies of paramilitary forces have also been deployed in the area,” Mr. Suresh Khanna said.
Arrangements of 34,000 toilets, 20,000 dustbins, and 11,000 cleaners to ensure cleanliness in the area will also be there. Pilgrims will also have access to clean drinking water. As for accommodation, 20,000 tents have been set up, he said.
The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has joined hands with the U.P. government to promote the event. Former chairman CII Maharashtra State Council Sunil Khanna said, “CII is proud to be associated with an event that showcases Indian traditions and is of historical and mythological relevance.”
The U.P. government is preparing to welcome people from across the country. “Programmes based on ancient cultural heritage will be organised,” Mr. Suresh Khanna said.
To seek support for Kumbh 2019 from Maharashtra, Mr. Suresh Khanna handed over an invitation to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on behalf of U.P. Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath. He also handed over an invitation and presented the Kumbh Logo to Governor Ch. Vidyasagar Rao.
The minister also showcased efforts by the Government of India in making a record increase in number of flights by building a new airport in Prayagraj, thus connecting it through air to major cities like Bengaluru, Indore, Nagpur, Patna.
A heliport is also being set up here and arrangements are being made to provide helicopter joy rides to visiting tourists.