LUCKNOW/ALLAHABAD: One of the world’s biggest religious and cultural congregation — the Kumbh — has its own economic dynamics. It’s not just the expected 15 crore footfall that will be a booster for the local economy, but Allahabad (now christened Prayagraj) will also undergo a massive infrastructure boost before the two-month mega event begins on January 15.The Uttar Pradesh government has made an overall allocation of more than Rs 7,000 crore for the Mela, which includes funds from various budgetary heads to boost the city infra, provide facilities for pilgrims and enhance security.At the micro-economic level, thousands of residents whose livelihood depends on the Sangam and Ganga, are looking to triple their income over the next two months to anywhere between Rs 50,000 to Rs 1 lakh. The big budget break-up includes Rs 2,800 crore for organizing the mela, a separate Rs 4,300 crore for development work of the venue and city. Another Rs 247 crore will be spent on construction of two mammoth control and command centres to monitor the event. In contrast only Rs 1,214 crore was spent on Kumbh-2013, said a government spokesperson.“Most of these funds are being spent on long-term infrastructure for the city, even though the projects were undertaken keeping Kumbh in mind. For instance, nine flyovers have been constructed within a year and a half. Six railway underpasses have been widened. At least 64 traffic crossings and 264 roads were revamped or freshly laid. This will benefit the city after Kumbh is over,” said a senior government official.The unorganized sector, like vendors dealing in puja paraphernalia, flowers, fruits, eateries, auto drivers, boatmen, barbers and even pandas are looking at a manifold spurt in business. The Mela Authority has projected that the event will generate additional employment for over two lakh people in hotel industry, tour operators and medical and eco-tourism.The hotel industry, which has an average occupancy of 50% annually, is looking at a growth of 15-25% during the Kumbh. This despite an overarching tent city erected at the venue comprising more than 5,000 canopies. The price varies from Rs 650 for a bed in a dormitory to Rs 32,000 per night at a deluxe tent.DP Singh, senior manager of a hotel said: “Most hotels are already 50% booked from January 1 and tariffs have been revised. Room tariff has more than doubled from Rs 2,000 to Rs 4,000-6,000.” In fact, many tourists are looking to stay at nearby cities like Varanasi, Lucknow and Kanpur where rooms are cheaper and easily available.The 600 boatmen in the city are also expecting to triple their daily income. Speaking to TOI, boatman Rishi Nishad said: “On an average we earn Rs 300 to Rs 800 per day. During Kumbh, we are expecting to at least triple our income, not only because of the number of visitors, but also rates will double due to high demand.”A panda at the Kumbh site, Dinesh Pandey, said, “All through the year, I barely earn Rs 300 per ritual. Not only pilgrims coming for performing rituals will rise, but they also offer us double and triple the money during the Kumbh.”

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