Question : Special Arrangements for Kumbh Mela

(a) the estimated number of saints and sears, common pilgrims, tourists and dignitaries who are expected to reach at Prayagraj to take holy dip during the Kumbh Mela, 2019 from across the globe;
(b) the details of contribution made on the part of the Ministry for Kumbh Mela, 2019 being organized in Prayagraj along with the expenditure likely to be incurred thereon;
(c) whether the Government has made any special arrangements for the delegates and foreign dignitaries for participating in the Kumbh Mela and if so, the details thereof;
(d) the other events organized by the Government during the Kumbh Mela, 2019; and
(e) the measures taken on the policy of conservation, protection and promotion of culture and for its implementation in the country?

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

(a): As per the information furnished by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh, the expected footfalls under various categories are as follows:
- Total number of pilgrims - 120 million
- Pilgrims on Mauni Amavasya - 30 million
- Foreign tourists - 1 million
- Kalpvasis - 2 million

(b): The Ministry of Tourism, Government of India has undertaken promotion of the Kumbh Mela, 2019 in important and potential markets overseas, as part of its Global Media Campaign 2018-19. The Kumbh Mela has also been promoted on the Social Media handles of the Ministry of Tourism. Ministry of Culture, released an amount of Rs. 1.56 Crore to North Central Zonal Cultural Centre (NCZCC), Prayagraj for organising a conclave “Vaicharik Kumbh” at Prayagraj.

As per the information furnished by the State Government of Uttar Pradesh, the total sanctioned budget for the Kumbh Mela, 2019 is Rs.4000 crore.

(c): Yes, madam. Some of the special arrangements made for delegates and foreign dignitaries are as follows:
• Tent City with 1200 premium tents
• Sangam tent colony with 50 tents
• Yamuna Sankul, Ganga Sankul and Triveni Sankul spread across different parts of the Mela

Additionally, public accommodation is provisioned to provide comfortable stay to all the pilgrims and tourists who visit the Mela. The Mela authority has hosted the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Hon’ble Chief Minister of the State, the Hon’ble Prime Minister of Mauritius, more than 3500 Non Resident Indians on the occasion of Pravasi Bhartiya Divas, the Heads of Missions from 72 countries and other dignitaries from across the globe.

(d): The Uttar Pradesh Government has decided to hold more than 500 events in the Mela area for promoting cultural and traditional expressions. Sanskriti grams have been established exclusively for showcasing historical, cultural, social and other aspects of the Kumbh Mela and Human History.

North Central Zonal Cultural Centre, Prayagraj of Ministry of Culture, Government of India is organising the conclave “Vaicharik Kumbh” at Prayagraj.


(e): To protect, promote and preserve various forms of folk arts and culture throughout the country, the Government of India has set up seven Zonal Cultural Centres (ZCCs) with headquarters at Patiala, Nagpur, Udaipur, Prayagraj, Kolkata, Dimapur and Thanjavur. These ZCCs organised various cultural activities and programmes on regular basis throughout the country.

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