Uttar Pradesh: Prayagraj in Uttar Pradesh is all decked up to welcome devotees for Kumbh Mela, which is expected to be attended by people from across the country and more than 5000 NRIs. While Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in Uttar Pradesh had earmarked an amount of Rs 2800 crore for Kumbh Mela 2019, the total expenditure, including from other funds, has gone up to a whopping Rs 4300 crore.
For Kumbh Mela, a new temporary city has been set up along Prayagraj, which has 250-km long roads and 22 pontoon bridges. This is the largest temporary city of the world. Besides, more than 40,000 LED bulbs have been installed to brighten up the Kumbh Mela, which has already been included by UNESCO in the list of “Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity”.
Elaborate security arrangements have also been made for the grand event. The Kumbh Mela will be organised under the surveillance of Integrated Control and Command Centre and CCTV Cameras. As part of the security arrangements, the Uttar Pradesh Police has deputed more than 20,000 police personnel, who are teetotaller and consume only vegetarian foods.
Nearly 12 crore devotees are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela at Prayagraj which will begin 15 January. Representatives of 192 countries are expected to visit the Kumbh Mela.