Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has conducted a comprehensive review of the preparations for the upcoming Magh Mela in Prayagraj, directing officials to organize the massive religious gathering 'with grandeur'. The event, a major annual pilgrimage, is anticipated to draw a staggering 12 to 15 crore pilgrims over its month-and-a-half duration.
Grand Scale and Key Bathing Dates
During a high-level meeting held on Saturday, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for flawless arrangements for all devotees and the Kalpavasis—ascetics who reside on the riverbanks for the entire period. He highlighted that the sacred bathing dates are arriving earlier this year. The first holy dip, or 'Snan', is scheduled for Paush Purnima on January 3, followed by Makar Sankranti on January 15.
The subsequent bathing dates are Mauni Amavasya on January 18, Basant Panchami on January 23, Maghi Purnima on February 1, and Mahashivratri on February 15. Adityanath specifically noted that between 20 to 25 lakh Kalpavasis are expected to reside at the Mela premises from January 3 to February 1, forming a significant part of the total pilgrim count.
Massive Infrastructure and Departmental Roles
To manage the colossal influx of visitors, the Magh Mela is being set up across a vast 800 hectares of land, divided into seven sectors for administrative efficiency. The state government is leveraging the organizational experience gained from the recent Maha Kumbh, with the CM stating the 2025 Mela's scope has been "significantly expanded".
A multi-departmental effort is underway to ensure a smooth and safe experience. Key infrastructure projects include:
- Transport: 42 parking zones have been identified to streamline traffic, with 3,800 buses, including 3,000 from the State Transport Corporation, slated to operate. Additionally, 75 shuttle buses will run inside the Mela grounds, and electric buses will connect the city to the event.
- Utilities: The Jal Nigam is laying a 242-km drinking water pipeline and an 85-km sewer line, with the CM asserting that not a single drop of sewer water will enter the Ganga or Yamuna. The Power Corporation is installing extensive electrical infrastructure, including 47 km of HT lines, 360 km of LT lines, and 25 temporary substations.
- Connectivity & Safety: The PWD is constructing seven pontoon bridges and laying 160 km of chequered plates for internal routes. For security, 17 temporary police stations and 42 police outposts will be established, supported by 400 AI-enabled CCTV cameras for crowd monitoring.
Focus on Health, Cleanliness, and Accommodation
The administration is leaving no stone unturned in ensuring the health and hygiene of the millions of attendees. The medical infrastructure will feature two 20-bed hospitals, 12 Primary Health Centres, and 50 ambulances for emergency response. Ayurvedic and Homeopathic dispensaries will also be available.
A major cleanliness drive is planned, with the Urban Development Department installing 25,000 toilets, 8,000 dustbins, and deploying 3,000 sanitation workers for round-the-clock upkeep. Furthermore, a large 'Tent City' is under construction to accommodate the devotees, providing essential shelter for the massive gathering. With these meticulous preparations, the Uttar Pradesh government aims to conduct the Magh Mela with the grandeur and divinity it commands.
