"More footfall anticipated" UP DyCM Maurya on MahaKumbh 2025

Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], December 19 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya on Thursday highlighted that the Mahakumbh is "world's largest" religious and spiritual event and said that more footfall is expected this year.

"It is the world's largest event from the social, religious and spiritual point of view. There was such a great arrangement in the Ardh Kumbh of 2019. The people from not only the country but from all over the world visited that fair. This time, more footfall is anticipated. If this matter is discussed in today's discussion (in Vidhan Sabha), many suggestions will come from the members," Maurya said.

The preparations for Mahakumbh, which is set for January 13-26, are underaway.

The UP Jal Nigam Urban in Salori is installing a geo tube-based treatment facility to treat wastewater from 22 untapped drains in the city, which is a crucial part of this preparation.

To maintain the Ganges River's purity and cleanliness for the millions of pilgrims who attend the Mahakumbh, this project complies with the Chief Minister's order that no untreated sewage or drain water enters the river. On January 1, 2025, the Rs 55 crore treatment plant, which is presently in a trial phase, will start full operations.

Speaking to ANI, Executive Engineer Saurabh Kumar explained that the geo tube technology is an advanced sewage treatment method. The technology treats around 40-50% of the Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) and 80% of the Total Suspended Solids (TSS) in the sewage water.

After the sewage water passes through the geo tubes, it is further purified with hydrogen peroxide and ozonised, which is safer than chlorination. Ozonisation kills all types of faecal bacteria, ensuring that the treated water is safe for release into rivers.

The Mahakumbh, which is held once every 12 years, is scheduled to begin on January 13 and conclude on February 26, 2025, in Prayagraj.

The main bathing rituals, known as the Shahi Snan (royal baths), will take place on January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami). (ANI)