Lost & found count lowest at this yr’s Mela since 1946

Allahabad: The lost and found camp, which works to reunite people separated from their families during religious fairs like Magh Mela, Ardh Kumbh and Kumbh, has reunited 3,973 people, including 181 children, this year. The figure is the lowest since the inception of the camp 74 years ago.
The camp, popularly known as Bhoole Bhatke Shivir, was founded in 1946 on the banks of Ganga by late Rajaram Tiwari.
Releasing the data of last 10 years, organiser of Bhoole Bhatke Shivir Umesh Tiwari told TOI that volunteers reunited highest 1,73,733 people (male and female and above 18 years) and 229 children during 2013 Kumbh.
“As many as 44,382 adults and 73 children were reunited during 2019 Mahakumh while the figure for 2018 Magh Mela stood at 43,264 adults and 300 children,” he said.
“In 74 years of service, we have witnessed the lowest number of lost people in this year’s Magh Mela,” Tiwari said, adding that the strength of missing/separated people depended on the footfall of devotees during the fair.
Tiwari said during 2017 Magh Mela, 32,647 adults and 281 children were reunited with their families.
As many as 34,506 men and women and 238 children were reunited in 2016 Magh Mela while the figure during 2015 Magh Mela was 45,365 adults and 217 children.
Volunteers reunited 52,930 adults and 274 children in 2014 Magh Mela and 72,546 adults and 400 children 2012 Magh Mela.
In 2011 and 2010 Magh Mela, the volunteers reunited 63,280 men and women, besides 412 children, and 57,422 adults along with 346 children, respectively.
The volunteers, who will stay in Magh Mela area till February 29, said reuniting people with their loved ones was a service to mankind and they were rendering the service for their inner satisfaction.