ALLAHABAD: Prime Minister Narendra Modi reiterated on Sunday that the Union government is working hard to ensure ‘aviral’ and ‘nirmal’ Ganga. He also said that devotees coming to Kumbh would be able to visit the sacred tree ‘Akshayvat’ in Allahabad Fort . For the past many generations, Akshayvat was not accessible but during Kumbh devotees would be able to offer prayers at Akshayvat and Saraswati Koop.Terming Prayagraj as the land of ‘tap, tapasya, and sanskar’, PM Modi said that this Kumbh would see a blend of devotion and technology.“The Union government is working hard for ensuring aviral (uninterrupted) and nirmal (clean) Ganga. Rs 1,700 crore are being invested to construct STPs and nullahs so that sewage is not discharged into the holy river,” PM Modi said.Many cities, including Kanpur, Varanasi and Prayagraj, located on the banks of Ganga have been selected for construction of STPs and beautification of ghats. Under the Namami Gange project, work worth Rs 24,500 crore was sanctioned and projects worth Rs 5,500 crore have been completed.Modi inaugurated 366 projects worth over Rs 4,000 crore, including road, rail, smart city. The PM visited Sangam and performed Ganga pujan.He also visited Akshayvat and offered prayers. PM also inaugurated the Integrated control and command centre on the Kumbh Mela campus.“We have made all efforts to improve rail, air and road connectivity to Prayagraj. The railway ministry would be rolling out more trains for Kumbh. The flyover, ROB, underpass, new airport terminal would improve the infrastructure and make positive impact on lives,” he said.“People from the world coming to Kumbh would see the power of ‘ tap’ (devotion) and technology. The selfie point would also be a major attraction. I too got selfies clicked with guests,” he added.Modi said all villages on the banks of Ganga have been declared free of open defecation. He also said that latest technique will be used to keep the mela campus clean.

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