(a) whether the Government are aware that a Maha Kumbh Mela is being organised at the Trivani Sangam at Allahabad during November-December, 2000 and January-February, 2001;
(b) if so, whether a makeshift bridge is likely to be constructed on the Yamuna river in Allahabad for the safety of the crowd;
(c) if so, the details thereof; and
(d) if not, whether the military could escape from this responsibility?
MINISTER OF DEFENCE (SHRI GEORGE
FERNANDES)
(a) to (d): A statement is attached.
STATEMENT REFERRED TO IN REPLY TO PARTS (a) TO (d) OF
LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 4884 FOR 24.8.2000
The responsibility for making necessary
arrangements for the Kumbh Mela is essentially that
of the State Government. The Army has, however, in
the past launched bailey pontoon bridge on the
Yamuna on the occasion of Ardh Kumbh/Kumbh Mela only
as an ‘Aid to Civil Authority’.
2. The bridging equipment which has been used by
the Army in the past, has become obsolete and its
installation is not considered to be free from risk.
The Central Command of the Army had accordingly
intimated the Mela authorities in May, 2000, its
inability to launch the bailey pontoon bridge during
the ensuing Kumbh Mela.
3. In the context of the request of the State
Government, received in July, 2000, for launching of
a bailey bridge during the ensuing Kumbh Mela, the
matter has been reconsidered and it has emerged that
an alternate set of floating bridge can be
constructed from the Army HQrs’ reserves. The exact
availability of the equipment is being ascertained.