Press Information Bureau

The Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj witnessed an unprecedented gathering of faith and spirituality, with over 66.30 crore devotees immersing themselves in the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati. The event, spanning 45 days, became a symbol of devotion and cultural heritage.

The consistent efforts of the sanitation workers and the state government led to the Maha Kumbh 2025 setting a Guinness World Record in Ganga Cleaning Drive and Mass Cleaning Initiative, where a record breaking 329 and 19,000 individuals, respectively, set new benchmarks in mass sanitation and environmental efforts. To appreciate the hard work by the sanitation and cleanliness workers, the state Chief minister announced Rs. 16,000 salary hike, starting from April 2025, and a bonus of Rs. 10,000.

With the grand festival coming to an end, the focus has shifted towards an equally monumental task—restoring the city and ensuring the pristine condition of the Kumbh area. Cleaning the Maha Kumbh site, after it hosted one of the largest human congregations in history, required an extraordinary effort. Recognizing this, the state government swiftly initiated a comprehensive sanitation campaign. A special 15-day cleanliness drive was launched to restore the Kumbh Mela area to its original purity. Thousands of sanitation workers, along with dedicated volunteers, took up the massive challenge of cleaning the riverbanks, roads, and temporary settlements.

As the cleanup drive continues, the administration and environmentalists have urged people to pledge their commitment to maintaining the sanctity of these sacred waters. A local official overseeing the sanitation drive remarked, "The Maha Kumbh may be over, but its message of cleanliness and reverence for our environment must continue. It is our collective duty to ensure that our rivers remain pure and free from pollution."

The successful organization of the Maha Kumbh 2025 would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of sanitation workers, security personnel, and local authorities. Acknowledging their hard work, the state government honoured these ‘karmayogis’ who played a pivotal role in keeping the Kumbh area clean throughout the event. More than 15,000 sanitation workers and 2,000 ‘Ganga Seva Doots’ worked day and night to ensure that the holy rivers and the fairgrounds remained spotless, reinforcing the commitment to a ‘Swachh Kumbh’.

Beyond just collecting waste, the cleanup campaign focused on systematic waste disposal, dismantling temporary infrastructure, and restoring the ecological balance of the region. Special efforts were made to:

• Dismantle temporary toilets: Over 1.5 lakh portable toilets installed for the event were systematically removed.
• Manage waste effectively: Garbage collected from the Kumbh area was transported to the Baswar plant in Naini for proper disposal.
• Restore essential infrastructure: The temporary pipelines and streetlights installed for the Kumbh were carefully removed, ensuring that the site was returned to its original state.
• Clear makeshift settlements: Tents and pandals set up for sages and pilgrims were dismantled, making way for the natural beauty of the region to resurface.

The successful execution of the Maha Kumbh 2025 has set new benchmarks in event management and environmental sustainability. As the city transitions back to normalcy, the lessons learned from this historic congregation will serve as guiding principles for future mega-events. The dedication towards cleanliness and preservation of cultural heritage will continue to inspire efforts to keep Prayagraj, and its sacred rivers, clean for generations to come.

Also, even as the last of the devotees departed from the holy city, the state government ensured that those unable to attend the Maha Kumbh in person could still partake in its sanctity. In a unique initiative, fire services and emergency departments were assigned the responsibility of transporting the sacred water from the Triveni Sangam to all 75 districts of Uttar Pradesh. Over five lakh liters of this consecrated water have been delivered to various regions, allowing people to experience the blessings of the Maha Kumbh from their homes.

This initiative also extended to prisons across the state, where more than 90,000 inmates were given the opportunity to bathe in the holy water, marking a historic first in the Kumbh’s history. Such efforts exemplify the commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that faith transcends barriers and reaches every individual, regardless of their circumstances.

In the end, the Maha Kumbh was not just about a spiritual confluence; it was also a testament to human resilience, responsibility, and the collective spirit of maintaining a cleaner and more sustainable environment. As devotees carry the memories of their sacred journey, the city of Prayagraj stands rejuvenated, ready to welcome the next chapter in its rich and timeless history.

References

Department of Information & Public Relations (DPIR), Government of Uttar Pradesh

Maha Kumbh Series: 25/Feature

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Santosh Kumar | Sarla Meena | Rishita Aggarwal