In a significant technological upgrade, the power department in Prayagraj has rolled out a novel 'Scan to Fix' system to guarantee an uninterrupted electricity supply for the upcoming 44-day Magh Mela. The annual religious and spiritual fair is scheduled to commence on January 3 on the sacred banks of the Ganga.
High-Tech Solutions for a Seamless Fair
The executive engineer for the Magh Mela, Ashok Kumar Sharma, outlined the extensive preparations. A massive network of 350 kilometers of low-tension (LT) lines is planned, with 320 km already laid down. The department aims to facilitate a staggering 750,000 electricity connections throughout the tent city, supported by a robust infrastructure designed for 24x7 power.
The cornerstone of this effort is the first-time implementation of the 'Scan to Fix' technology. This system involves placing unique barcodes on every electrical pole, line, and connection point across the mela campus. More than 15,000 such barcodes have been installed. When a fault occurs, maintenance staff can simply scan the code using a device. This action instantly pulls up all relevant technical data and fault history from the central control room, enabling technicians to diagnose and resolve issues with unprecedented speed.
Infrastructure Boost to Prevent Outages
Beyond the barcode system, the power department has significantly bolstered the physical infrastructure to minimize disruptions. A key improvement is the installation of five ring main units, a substantial increase from the single unit used in the previous Magh Mela. These units are designed to restore power within a remarkable 10 seconds of any outage.
The financial commitment reflects the scale of these enhancements. A budget of Rs 32 crore has been allocated for the 2026 mela's electricity arrangements, marking a 10% increase from the last event. This funding supports the laying of 47 km of high-tension (HT) lines alongside the LT network, and the construction of 25 large and 35 small substations. Each substation will feature a reliable three-layer power backup system.
Illumination and Environmental Consciousness
Ensuring the entire fairground is well-lit is a top priority. Authorities are installing more than 25,000 LED lights across the Magh Mela area. In a nod to sustainability, environmentally friendly hybrid solar lights will be placed at the Sangam ghats and major intersections. For absolute emergency backup, diesel generator (DG) sets will also be stationed on-site.
These comprehensive measures, spearheaded by the 'Scan to Fix' initiative, represent a major leap in managing utilities for large-scale public gatherings in India. The focus is on creating a seamless, safe, and illuminated experience for the millions of devotees expected to attend the 44-day spiritual event in Prayagraj.
