Allahabad: With over three crore devotees expected to take a dip in Sangam on Mauni Amavasya on Monday, the Mela ground turned into a fortress after 30,000 policemen and paramilitary personnel were deployed for security a day before the second biggest shahi snan of the Kumbh-2019. The Mela police are conducting an aerial survey for crowd management measures at entry and exit points.Reciting bhajans and chants of ‘jai Ganga maiya’, devotees from across the world were seen flocking to the Kumbh-2019 venue, lugging their luggage. Be it the long distance from railway and bus stations to the venue or the vast expanse of the Mela ground, nothing seems to bothering them as they marched towards the ghats for a dip in Sangam on Sunday. Over 30,000 policemen including companies of paramilitary forces are on their toes to ensure security and safety of pilgrims on the eve of second shahi snan.In the wake of the rush of devotees, Mela police, on Sunday, restricted vehicular movement on streets leading up to the Kumbh Mela ground. Devotees had to walk four to five kilometre to reach Sangam because of traffic restrictions. ADG (Allahabad zone) SN Sabat, said, “Mela police have made elaborate security arrangements ahead of the second shahi snan and adequate police forces have already been deployed .”The Mela police and administration are also coordinating with railways authorities and Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation to ensure that devotees do not face a lot of problems while going back from the venue.Mela district magistrate, Vijay Kiran Anand, said “The flow of devotees and pilgrims was been increasing steadily every hour. Between Saturday and Sunday, 1.60 crore devotees have taken a dip in Ganga.” City-based religious scholar Pandit Ram Naresh Tripathi, said, “ On Mauni Amavasya, the water of Ganga turns into a ‘amrit’ (nectar). Mauni Amavasya is observed during the Hindu month of Magha and whoever takes a dip in Sangam on the day attains salvation.”

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