MINISTER FOR Urban Development and Parliamentary Affairs Mohd Azam Khan on Sunday held the Central Government responsible for the polluted Ganga.
Besides, Azam Khan denied that any mill or factory in Kanpur released effluents leading to sudden increase in pollution level in the holy river.
Holding a review meeting at Circuit House here on Sunday, Azam said, had the Union Government taken the measures required, pilgrims would not have faced this problem.
Meanwhile, the district administration failed to succeed in its attempt to convince Azam against visiting the Magh Mela area on Sunday.
Officials argued that the minister should stay away from the mela in view of resentment among sants over inadequate water at the Sangam and pollution.
Azam, however, paid no heed to the officials’ plea and visited the mela area to inspect various arrangements.
Besides, he issued instructions to improve arrangements so that the pilgrims did not face problems in visiting the mela, taking a holy dip in the Sangam or staying in the area. During his half-hour stay in the mela area, the minister warned officials against laxity and said they should make foolproof arrangements or else be ready to face stern action.
He also reviewed preparations for ‘Ardhakumbha’ to be organised next year.
He asked the officers to demarcate the land to be used for the Ardhakumbha and expedite the related work.
He also reviewed preparations for ‘Ardhakumbha’ to be organised next year.
He asked the officers to demarcate the land to be used for the Ardhakumbha and expedite the related work.
Divisional commissioner Lalit Verma and district magistrate Amrit Abhijat briefed the minister about the arrangements made for the mela and preparations being made for the Ardhakumbha.