“Mahakumbh to be greener and cleaner” by Kapil Dixit, Times of India

Dixit, K. “Mahakumbh to be greener and cleaner.” The Times of India. 20 September 2011.

Mahakumbh to be greener and cleaner

By Kapil Dixit

September 20, 2011

ALLAHABAD: After submitting the final blueprint for next year’s Mahakumbh and seeking a budget of Rs 1,924 crore from the Union and the state governments, the mela authorities have mooted the concept of Green Kumbh.

Under the concept, the mela administration, besides imposing a ban on the use of polythene and polybags in and around the mela campus, has sough the cooperation of NGOs, educational institutes, social organisations and public to spread the message of Green Kumbh with no kind of air, sound and water pollution. The violators would be dealt with strictly on the spot.

The idea is to keep the Mela area clean and make the Mahakumbh environment friendly. The mela authorities will also carry out a massive plantation drive in and around the mela campus.

Divisional commissioner Mukesh Meshram told TOI: “The concept of Green Kumbh will ensure a pollution free environment for the pilgrims.” He added that they would seek the support from all sections of the society in the endeavour.

The mela authorities have also decided to carry out aerial monitoring during Mahakumbh. The mela administrative has planned to offer saplings to pilgrims to promote plantation drive in the area.

The pilgrims would be asked to carry bags made only of jute, cotton or paper and not to carry puja items in polythene bags. No waste would be allowed to be thrown into the rivers.

The police too are holding meetings to give shape to Green Kumbh concept.

Under the concept, officials will give environment friendly look to 64 roads in and around the mela campus and permanent ghats to be constructed on the banks of Yamuna and Ganga.

The Ganga Pollution control unit has already assured the construction of interceptor sewer of 300-900 mm diameter along the left bank of the Ganga to check the pollution from Jhunsi side of the river. Construction of 18 mld capacity main sewage pumping station is also in the pipeline and supply and laying of 500 mm diameter DI pipe rising main from Morigate SPS to Salori in about 2-6 km length.

Allahabad Development Authority under its beautification drive will give green look to crossings.

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