Uttar Pradesh declares Maha Kumbh area as new district ahead of Kumbh Mela

Ahead of a grand religious event, Maha Kumbh Mela, slated for January 2025, Yogi Adityanath's government in Uttar Pradesh declared Maha Kumbh area as a new district.

In Short

• Maha Kumbh area declared new district in Uttar Pradesh
• New district named Maha Kumbh Mela district in Prayagraj
• Move aims to improve management for 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela

The Uttar Pradesh government on Sunday declared the Maha Kumbh area a new district ahead of the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. The new district will be known as Maha Kumbh Mela district.

The decision marked a significant administrative move to better manage the upcoming religious event that is slated for January next year. The initiative aims to ensure seamless coordination of logistics, law enforcement, and facilities for the pilgrims expected to attend the event in Prayagraj.

The newly created district will have a dedicated administrative team to oversee preparations and maintain services during the mela.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said the move reflects the government’s commitment to enhancing the experience for devotees and managing resources effectively.

The government order stated that the order will come into force with immediate effect.

"In the Maha Kumbh Mela district/Mela area, the Mela Adikari, Kumbh Mela, Prayagraj will have the powers of Executive Magistrate, District Magistrate and Additional District Magistrate under Section-14(1). Other relevant sections of the Indian Civil Defense Code, 2023 and all the powers of the District Magistrate under the said code or any other law currently in force and will have the right to exercise all the powers of the Collector in all categories of cases," the government order read.

The Maha Kumbh, held every 12 years, is set to begin in January 2025, with preparations underway to host pilgrims from across India and the world.