Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat says Kumbh Mela in Haridwar to be held despite COVID challenges

Uttarakhand CM Trivendra Singh Rawat says Kumbh Mela in Haridwar to be held despite COVID challenges

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said that despite the practical problems posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Kumbh Mela would be held in Haridwar next year in its "divine form." The Kumbh Mela will start from January 2021.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat said that despite the practical problems that COVID-19 will be in its "divine form."

On Sunday, CM Rawat attended a meeting with Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad (ABAP) office bearers on preparations for the 2021 Kumbh Mela starting from January 14.

"The scope of the Kumbh Mela will depend on the status of COVID-19 at that time. Indications of ABAP and religious brotherhood will also be taken in the decisions taken in the light of the current situation.

The Chief Minister said that the work of the Kumbh Mela would be reviewed from time to time. "The departmental secretaries have been directed to monitor the ongoing work. The chief secretary has been directed to review the situation within 15 days," he said.

Kumbh Mela official Deepak Rawat said most of the work was nearing completion and completed by December 15.

"Work on nine new ghats (river banks), eight bridges, and roads under construction for the Kumbh Mela has been completed. Special attention is being paid to sanitation. Removal of drinking water facility, parking facility, and encroachments is also underway." he said.

Urban Development Minister Madan Kaushik said in a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office that planned arrangements would be made to avoid any trouble to the devotees during the Kumbh Mela.

ABAP chief Mahant Narendra Giri assured the government that the bodies would fully co-operate with the state government for the successful conduct of the Kumbh Mela.

Kaushik said 35 to 50 lakh people are expected to bath in the holy river Ganga every day during Kumbh Mela 2021.