Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday said that with public participation the government and administration are set to enhance the grandeur of Magh Mela making it divine and grand. While talking to the reporters after reviewing the preparations for Mahakumbh and Magh Mela, the CM said that this initiative serves as a trial run for the Maha Kumbh’ scheduled for 2025. He said that around 4,000 organisations will participate in the Magh Mela. He said, “As part of the ongoing preparations, checkered plates are being installed in the vicinity of the fair area. Additionally, a comprehensive initiative involves the installation of pipelines throughout the entire Magh Mela region to ensure a reliable supply of clean drinking water.”
Yogi said that a drainage pipeline is currently under installation in the fair area to facilitate proper drainage. “Besides, arrangements are being made to install more than 18,000 LED street lights to ensure proper lighting. Keeping in view the cleanliness and convenience of the devotees, over 21,000 toilets are being constructed throughout the entire fair area,” he said. Anticipating a rise in the number of Kalpvasis compared to the previous year, he said that hospital arrangements are being made for the devotees and Kalpavasis attending the fair. “Special ghats are also under construction to facilitate the devotees during the event,” he said. The CM said that officials have also been given instructions to ensure proper traffic and parking arrangements. “District administration officials will ensure that there is no traffic congestion in the city during the Magh mela,” he said. He said that the entire event will last about two months and will include six major bathing days. He underscored the need for enhanced coordination among all participating organizations to effectively organize the grand Magh Mela. Yogi said, “By providing top-notch facilities to the devotees in Magh Mela, we will be successful in giving the message of cleanliness and Bhavya Kumbh.” He inaugurated UP’s first floating restaurant on the Yamuna River in Prayagraj.
The restaurant is operated by the UP State Tourism Development Corporation and is part of a broader effort to promote water tourism in the state. The floating restaurant offers a unique dining experience, featuring Continental cuisine on one side and traditional dishes from UP on the other. It has a capacity to accommodate up to 40 people at a time. To enrich the tourism experience, the restaurant offers a variety of entertainment options available on a payment basis, including speed boats, mini cruises, banana rides, and sofa rides. The UPSTDC offers packages for Sangam tours, Bhajan Sandhya events and Kirtan Kittie performances allowing tourists to explore the sights and sounds of the region. Special arrangements, such as the recitation of Sundar Kand on a boat along the Yamuna River or pre-wedding photo shoots for newlyweds, will be available for a fee. The restaurant and other modern boats will be operated daily under the supervision of skilled and experienced retired Indian Navy personnel.