Ensuring cleanliness and hygiene at the ongoing Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj has emerged as one of the most significant challenges, given the massive daily influx of devotees.
Both private and government agencies have taken extensive sanitation measures, utilizing over 1 crore liters of cleaning solutions across the Mela grounds, which include approximately 1.5 lakh toilets. The Uttar Pradesh government has also collaborated with Bangalore University to develop an advanced oxidation technology to enhance toilet sanitation.
Since the commencement of Maha Kumbh on January 13, authorities have deployed large quantities of cleaning materials, including 3.5 lakh kg of bleaching powder, 75,600 liters of phenyl, and 41,000 kg of malathion to uphold hygiene standards. The event has already witnessed the arrival of over 50 crore devotees.
As per a report by the Times of India, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that only eco-friendly cleaning solutions be used by various agencies to ensure sustainable sanitation practices.
A comprehensive waste management system has been put in place, according to Amrit Abhijat, the Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department. A dedicated team of officials continuously monitors cleanliness efforts. Approximately 650 metric tonnes of garbage are processed daily at the Baswar plant in Prayagraj, and 350 suction machines have been deployed to handle wet waste effectively.
To prevent river pollution at the Sangam, authorities have installed three temporary sewage treatment plants (STPs) in addition to the existing three permanent STPs in the city.
Sanitation efforts are being overseen by medical officers, supervisors, and sectoral in-charges to ensure hygiene is maintained efficiently throughout the event.
Highlighting the scale of operations, Akansha Rana, the nodal officer for sanitation services, shared that sanitation workers have been supplied with over 70,827 liters of cleaning agents, 70,582 liters of phenyl concentrate, 3.53 lakh kg of bleaching powder, 1,675 kg of naphthalene balls, and 39,812 kg of malathion dust. She also credited Bangalore University’s oxidation technology for significantly contributing to maintaining a fresh and hygienic environment throughout the festival.
Learning from previous experiences, the Mela administration has taken proactive measures to improve the living conditions of sanitation workers. Model sanitation colonies have been set up, ensuring access to necessities such as drinking water, electricity, and toilets. Additionally, primary schools and Anganwadi centers have been established to support the education and welfare of workers’ children.
Workers now receive their wages directly in their bank accounts on a fortnightly basis, eliminating the involvement of middlemen. Free meals are being provided through community kitchens, and sanitation workers are also covered under health, life, and accidental insurance schemes, ensuring their well-being and financial security.
