It all begun with the battle for survival beyond death between gods and demons. However, the influence of this sacred land known as a “Bharat-Varsha” has always been proven paramount. Therefore, at the culmination of the battle, India was manifested as an absolute beneficiary, as a few drops of nectar from amphora fell on Allahabad, Haridwar, Nasik, and Ujjain. Considering this as as sacramental, Kumbh Mela has been organizing in these four places every twelve years alternatively.
In the year 2013, it was Allahabad, which hosted the biggest and holiest religious rendezvous of all the Hindu festivals on the earth. Nothing could be more prodigious and ponderous than a congregation of over 100 million people at a one place in a month long festivity. Most certainly, a gathering of 110 million people reflects the sanctimoniousness of the event. At the same time, it throws unimaginable and infinite challenges to the state administration.
Coverage-Geographical and Demographic
The task was simply cut out for the state as well as local administration. The administration was tasked with framing the event in a such a way that no untoward incident takes place. The challenges thrown at the state administration emboldened their resolve to set an example before entire India. Never of such an enormous magnitude Kumbh Mela was organized before, which reflects the gargantuan efforts and success on the part of the state government. To which effect, the Uttar Pradesh Government designed competent system with effective planning and budgeting as well as efficient strategy to build up the requisite infrastructure. To oversee the preparation work, the state government constituted the all-powerful and resourceful the Kumbh Mela Management Committee at the ministerial level.
A month long festivity, which was organized between 27th January and 25th February were spread across 1936.56 Hectares area, which was bigger than the allotted 1495.31 Hectare land in the previous Kumbh Mela. The entire allocated area was shared in 14 different sectors. The Magnitude of diligence was reflected across the board as,each sector was handed over to the able an efficient sub-committee of expert officials to oversee the preparation work at the Kumbh site. Each team was given the schedule, time frame, human resources and material to accomplish their tasks within the stipulated time span.
Citizen Centricity and Relevance
The success story of the government doesn’t stay here. One of the major national issues in India is problem of drinking water. Similarly, the same question posed put the Uttar Pradesh government on the notice, to which, the administration gave a fitting reply by supplying 80000KLs of water through 20,000 fresh connections via 550 KM long pipelines and around 40 tubewells. To ensure no stone be left unturned, the Uttar Pradesh administration installed 125 PDS shops across 14 sectors to deliver 16200 MT wheat, 9600 MT rice, 6000 MT sugar, 13200 KL K oil and 400 KL milk through 150 milk shops. The government was also persevered to take care of the health of the people during a month long celebration. To overpower the health and sanitation related challenges, 36 hospitals consisting Ayurvedic, allopathic and homeopathic were pressed into the services with 370 beds in the Mela area.
