Budget of over ₹3,221 crore proposed for Ardh Kumbh

ALLAHABAD: Ardh Kumbh Mela is going to be a grand affair this time. Preparations have started on large scale in order to attract the largest number of visitors and international tourists during the mela period in 2018-19.

Twenty three government departments have already presented a budget of over Rs 3221.49 crores for temporary and permanent work during the Ardh Kumbh fair. It is three times the budget which was approved for Kumbh Mela in 2013.

“The departments have been strictly directed to finish all the permanent work related to Ardh Kumbh within deadline,” said Allahabad district magistrate Sanjay Kumar, who held a meeting with the officials of various government departments to review the ongoing work for the fair. According to the DM the departments have submitted their work plan under which a budget of over Rs 2398.15 crore is proposed for permanent work and over Rs 823.33 crore for temporary work. “The proposal would be sent to the government for approval,” he said.

“Developing facilities in Sangam kshetra before Ardh Kumbh Mela would benefit millions of people. This also includes construction of four-lane connecting road and bridge to Sangam for elderly and disabled pilgrims who come in large numbers during the mela,” said Swami Anandgiriji, president of Akhil Bharatiya Akhada Parishad.