Preparations in full swing, security beefed up in tent city

PRAYAGRAJ: After Bhumi Pujan at Magh Mela-2022 venue, police officials have now started holding meetings for the annual religious fair on the banks of Sangam to be held peacefully and successfully. Officials are finalising plans for setting up police stations at strategic places of the proposed tent city besides introducing some new initiatives for better crowd management and more facilities for the pilgrims.

SSP, Prayagraj, Sarvshrestha Tripathi, said that preparations for Magh Mela are now in full swing. Soon, additional force will be demanded for the security of pilgrims, who are expected to arrive in large numbers especially on the main bathing days. He said that 13 police stations will come up in the tent city. Other departments have also started their work in the mela area, following which patrolling has been increased at Sangam and other ghats.

Tripathi said that some new initiatives will be introduced this year at Magh Mela. A cloak room will be set up at the ghats this year for the security of belongings of pilgrims. Usually, a family member takes care of belongings while others take a dip, which consumes time and increases unnecessary crowds at the ghats. Adequate number of cloak rooms will ensure security of belongings of pilgrims while they take a dip in the holy waters. Moreover, no one will be allowed to sit or eat at the ghats.

In a bid to control unnecessary crowds at the ghats and mela area, beggars will be assigned a place where pilgrims can give them alms. None of them will be allowed to roam near the ghats or any other place in the mela area.

Organising ‘Bhandaras’ for pilgrims will only be allowed at designated places and prior permission is required, as unplanned ‘Bhandaras’ on routes towards Sangam often create trouble and attract a crowd at the spot.

Arrangement of paid shuttle buses will be made especially for old and disabled pilgrims.