As preparations are underway in full swing for the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 in Prayagraj, authorities are taking extensive measures to ensure the millions of pilgrims expected during the festival get enhanced sanitation and accommodation options. The government has set an aim to install 1,50,000 toilets by December 15, and is also encouraging local residents to welcome pligrims into their homes by turning their properties into paying guest accomodations.
Besides this, for the first time ever, all the main railway stations in Prayagraj will have multi-language announcements during the Maha Kumbh Mela. These announcements will be made in more than 10 regional languages.
Kumbh Mela Special Officer Akanksha Rana told news agency PTI that sanitation remains a top priority, with more than 1,50,000 toilets to be insatlled across mela grounds. "We are working to complete these installations by December 15," Rana said.
Letters of Intent, which include a jet spray cleaning system and QR-code monitoring to ensure cleanliness and security, have been issued for the project. Additionally, 55 vendors have been involved to achieve the extensive toilet and urinal facility requirements, Rana said.
These facilities have been planned keeping in mind the heavy influx of pilgrims expected during key bathing days, especially Mauni Amavasya, when 4-5 crore devotees are anticipated to attend the mela.
According to the officer, there will be 49,000 soak-pit toilets, 350 mobile toilets with 10 seats each, and 12,000 FRP toilets with septic tanks.
Locals Being Encouraged To Register Homes As Paying Guest Facilities
The Tourism Department is also launching a paying guest accommodation programme in order to provide pilgrims with a homely atmosphere and affordable housing options.
Regional Tourism Officer Aparajita Singh stated that local residents in Prayagraj are being encouraged to register their homes as paying guest facilities. Many are also receiving training in hospitality, cleanliness, and conduct.
"This initiative not only offers pilgrims a budget-friendly alternative to hotels but also provides local residents with a valuable source of income," Singh said.
The authorities have set up a toll-free number and a WhatsApp contact to streamline the registration process. The goal of the programme is to initially establish paying guest services in 2,000 homes. The hosts of these facilities will get licenses that will remain valid for three years. They will also have options to register two to five rooms.
Notably, the tourism department will not get involved into the rental rates and the homeowners will have full control over this. Besides this, they do not have to pay any annual fees or taxes for the paying guest facilities.
For the convenience of the pilgrims, a list of licensed paying guest accommodations will be available on the Mela administration's website and app. As of now, 50 homes are registered, and more are in the pipeline, Singh told PTI.
The Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 is set to be held in Prayagraj from January 13, 2025, to February 26, 2025.