Question : Financial Assistance for Kumbh Mela

(a) whether the Government has made arrangements for pilgrims who are expected to visit the 49 days Kumbh Mela to begin in January 2019 and if so, the details thereof;
(b) whether any proposal has been received from the State Government for financial and other assistance for organising the event smoothly;
(c) if so, the details thereof and the reaction of the Government thereto along with the assistance provided/being provided by the Government;
(d) whether the Government has any plan to advertise Kumbh Mela in the global market to attract foreign tourists and if so, the details thereof; and
(e) the further steps taken/being taken by the Government for smooth organising of Kumbh Mela?

MINISTER OF STATE FOR TOURISM (INDEPENDENT CHARGE)
(SHRI K.J. ALPHONS)

(a): Yes, Madam. As reported by the Government of Uttar Pradesh, following arrangements have been made for the pilgrims who are expected to visit the 49 day Kumbh Mela to begin in January, 2019:

• Construction and widening of public roads
• Construction of parking spots at short distances from mela area
• Provision of shuttle buses for the convenience of pilgrims
• Digital signages at systematic points to ensure smooth flow of traffic
• Construction of toilets to maintain cleanliness and hygiene
• Setting up of LED lights in the mela area
• Erection of tents for the use of tourists
• Convention halls and pandals for serving as hub of cultural events
• Deployment of telecommunication services, banking services and water ATMs in the Mela area
• Setting up of integrated command and control centre including CCTV cameras for the security of tourists

(b): No, Madam.

(c): Does not arise.

(d): Yes, Madam. The measures being taken by the Government to advertise Kumbh Mela in the global market to attract foreign tourists are as below:

• Launch of ‘Chalo Kumbh Chalo’ campaign across the country
• Engagement of professional agency to design, develop and implement the branding and marketing campaigns for Kumbh, 2019
• Setting up of advertisements at major international airports of the country to attract foreign tourists
• Development of a designated area for flag hoisting for 192 countries visiting Kumbh Mela
• Organising the ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Divas’, 2019 in Varanasi to attract ‘Pravasi Bharatiya Delegates’ to visit Kumbh, 2019

(e): Further steps being taken by the Government for smooth organising of Kumbh Mela are as below:

• Drawing out of a detailed Movement and Parking Plan for convenient approach to and from parking areas
• Identification and development of holding areas for crowd control during the Mela period
• Deployment of digital signages in the Mela area to guide visitors towards places of interest and dissemination of crucial information by Government and law enforcement agencies
• Deployment of dustbins for solid waste management
• Engagement of Ganga Praharis and Swacchagrahis for helping gather community participation and awareness towards conservation of River Ganga.

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