UP Chief Secretary Reviews Preparations for Mauni Amavasya Festival

Mahakumbh Nagar: Following the successful celebrations of Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti, Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh has directed fine-tuning of preparations for the upcoming Mauni Amavasya festival, scheduled for January 29. Accompanied by DGP Prashant Kumar, he conducted a high-level review meeting at the ICCC auditorium after inspecting the festival area.

The Chief Secretary commended past festival arrangements but stressed the need for further refinements. Highlighting the unique significance of this year's Mahakumbh, he noted that Paush Purnima and Makar Sankranti coinciding after 144 years served as a successful rehearsal for the upcoming event. He emphasized ensuring smooth execution of the Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya, especially in light of a possible visit by the Prime Minister and a cabinet meeting.

Key directives included:

Railway Enhancements: Improve signage directing devotees to railway stations, display train details on digital screens, and ensure train operations start early on Mauni Amavasya. Platforms should remain fixed, and passenger routes should be streamlined for convenience.
Transport Facilities: Operate additional buses from Prayagraj to nearby destinations like Ayodhya and implement clear communication systems to guide devotees to available boarding points.
Cleanliness and Infrastructure: Install 1.5 lakh toilets by January 20, ensure no overflows, and provide VIP toilets in the Akhara area. Drinking water facilities must be available throughout public and private spaces.
Telecom and Connectivity: Guarantee robust phone connectivity during the festival to avoid any inconvenience to devotees.
DGP Prashant Kumar stressed the importance of displaying train running statuses prominently and ensuring adequate police deployment at all key locations to maintain security.

With the administration's concerted efforts, the Yogi government aims to make the Mauni Amavasya festival a seamless and spiritually enriching experience for all devotees.

Report by Zainul Abdin