Allahabad: The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated a budget of Rs. 170 crores for the `Ardh Kumbh Mela’, slated to start here from January next year.

During Ardh Kumbh, crores of people from across the country and even foreigners congregate in Allahabad and stay for over a month to take a dip in river Ganga, besides performing other rituals.

Divisional Commissioner Lalit Verma said instructions had been issued to the departments concerned to complete all the groundwork for the Mela by December. He said the government was aiming to make the world’s largest fair more convenient for pilgrims, saints, sadhus, devotees and tourists.

Ardh Kumbh, which takes place at Sangam — the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Saraswari rivers — after a gap of six years is one of the most important religious events of Hindus.

The entire Mela area would be divided in 11 sectors and the Sangam area would be left free to accommodate a large crowd on bathing days. Referring to the precautionary measures to be undertaken for dealing with any untoward situation, he said a separate road would be kept vacant for use in such emergencies. Moreover, a separate pontoon bridge would also be kept reserved for meeting any eventuality.

Dr. Verma urged all government departments to coordinate in ensuring successful and peaceful completion of the work.

The review meeting also discussed in detail power, water, health and other facilities to be provided to devotees.

Meanwhile, sadhus are raising their voice against the prevailing pollution in Ganga and have threatened to boycott the Ardh Kumbh if the administration failed to clean the river for bathing and other rituals.

The important bathing days are Paush Poornima (Jan 3), Makar Sankranti (Jan 14/15), Mauni Amavasya (Jan. 19), Basant Panchami (Jan. 23), Maghi Poornima (Feb. 2) and last Maha Shivratri (Feb. 16). The `Shahi Snans’ will take place on January 15, 19 and 23, 2007. The government is stressing on permanent construction in the Mela area, but the saints are opposing the proposal.

However, permanent construction in the Mela area is not possible as the Ganga frequently changes it’s course and a large portion of the area is under the occupation of the Army. - UNI.