Prayagraj: In view of Magh Mela 2027, Divisional Commissioner Lokesh M on Thursday chaired a meeting with senior police and administrative officials and directed the Mela Authority to prepare a detailed report documenting lessons learnt from all Kumbh and Magh Melas held since 2013.“The report should highlight shortcomings, lapses and significant experiences from previous melas so that corrective measures can be taken and similar issues avoided during the upcoming Magh Mela,” he said.Reviewing department-wise preparations, the commissioner issued necessary directions to officials concerned.Public Works Department (PWD) officials informed the meeting that around 54 tenders would be floated for the construction of pontoon bridges and other infrastructure projects. Last year, nine pontoon bridges were built, including two on the Phaphamau side. This year too, nine pontoon bridges have been proposed, with two planned on the Arail side.The commissioner directed PWD officials to prepare and submit a detailed layout map of the proposed main routes and ‘Gata’ routes across the mela area. He pointed out that pilgrims often use these internal access paths during peak bathing days when the main routes become congested, creating crowd-management challenges.He stressed the need to identify such vulnerable spots in advance and prepare contingency measures.On the tendering process, Mela Authority officials said tenders related to land levelling, sanitation, and the supply of tents and furniture would be floated in the first week of September.The commissioner also reviewed the action plans of various departments, including Jal Nigam. Officials informed him that 80 borewells are available in the mela area for water supply, of which 28 were utilised during the last Magh Mela. Tendering for pipeline laying, drainage and other related works is proposed to begin in the first week of Sept. Departments were also instructed to coordinate with the railways and the Army through dedicated review meetings.Roadways officials said bus parking is traditionally arranged in Jhunsi. However, due to recurring traffic congestion in the area, an additional bus parking facility near the Sugar Mill is being considered for Magh Mela 2027.Police commissioner Piyush Mordia emphasised that parking and traffic management would be crucial components of the mela arrangements. He suggested appointing a dedicated police officer exclusively for parking management to ensure smooth operations.The divisional commissioner directed all departments to present detailed reports, relevant data, action plans and maps of their operational areas at the next review meeting. He also announced that progress review meetings would be held every Thursday.Magh Mela 2027 is proposed to be held from Jan 14 to Mar 6, 2027, spanning 52 days. Major bathing dates include Makar Sankranti (Jan 14-15), Paush Purnima (Jan 22), Mauni Amavasya (Feb 6), Basant Panchami (Feb 11), Maghi Purnima (Feb 20) and Mahashivratri (Mar 6).Compared to Magh Mela 2026, authorities have proposed expanding the fair area and strengthening infrastructure. The number of participating organisations is expected to increase from 4,900 to over 5,200, while the mela area may be expanded from 844 hectares to between 900 and 925 hectares. The number of sectors is proposed to rise from seven to eight, and the total length of bathing ghats is expected to exceed 3.6 km. The number of pontoon bridges, however, will remain unchanged at nine.To further enhance security and fire safety, authorities have proposed increasing the number of police stations from 17 to 19, police outposts from 42 to 50 and fire stations from 20 to 22. More than 31 bathing ghats and over 16 holding areas are also planned for the event.
