Mela area, funds increased

IN 2001, the authorities organised Kumbh Mela on 6,783 bighas of land. Six years later, they have planned to organise Ardh Kumbh 2006-07 on an area covering 7151 bighas.

IN 2001, the authorities organised Kumbh Mela on 6,783 bighas of land. Six years later, they have planned to organise Ardh Kumbh 2006-07 on an area covering 7151 bighas.

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Besides, there has been a tremendous increase in allocation of funds, too.
Talking to media persons here on Monday, officer-incharge of the Mela PR Misra said preparations for Ardh Kumbh, which already started a few months ago, picked up pace.

The State Government set December 15 as deadline for the completion of work by all the departments.

Ardh Kumbh, more than a month-long fair, will begin from January 3, 2007 and continue till February 16. One to three crore people were likeli to take dip daily on the three main Shahi-Snan days on January, 15, 19 and 23.

He said the administration divided mela site into 11 sectors with 14 pontoon bridges so that the pilgrims might reach Jhusi and Arail situated on the banks of the Ganga and the Yamuna.

Over 38 tube wells will supply water to the mela site through 346-kilometer-long pipe line.

There were 19 gangs of safai karmcharis to maintain the cleanliness of the area, he added.