Lucknow, October 14: In the wake of the upcoming 2019 Allahabad Kumbh Mela, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Sunday said that all the preparations for Kumbh will be finished by 30th November this year.  "Preparations for 2019 Allahabad Kumbh have been satisfactory so far. We will finish all the preparations by 30th November this year", Adityanath was quoted by ANI. The Chief Minister further added saying that more than 1,22,000 toilets will be installed for 2019 Allahabad Kumbh to spread the message of Swachh Bharat during Kumbh. Allahabad to be Renamed as Prayagraj? Yogi Adityanath Pitches For Change in Name of Uttar Pradesh's Holy City.

The mela will begin in Allahabad on 15th January 2019 and will be a 49-day event. Reports quoted the Chief Minister saying that the main area of Kumbh Mela would be doubled from earlier 5,000 acres to 10,000 acres this time and 15 crore people are expected to attend it. Yogi had said that over 15 crore people are expected to visit Kumbh Mela next year. Jawaharlal Nehru Statue in Allahabad Shifted For Kumbh Mela, Congress Fumes.

Traditionally, it is believed that the `invisible' Saraswati river joins the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna at Allahabad, and it comes up in a temple at Allahabad (Prayag) Fort. Kumbh Mela in Allahabad: Only Vegetarian And Teetotaller Policemen Wanted For Security.

Adityanath had said that the 2019 Kumbh will be historic because it is for the first time in history, that devotees would be able to dip not only at the confluence of Ganga and Yamuna, but they will also be able to feel the invisible Saraswati river. "We are making efforts to open the gate of Prayag Fort where Saraswati is situated and we are talking with the Government of India and the Archaeological Survey of India for this purpose," Adityanath was quoted by PTI.

Meanwhile, in the wake of the Mela next year, the Indian Railways has decided to refurbish the coaches of prestigious trains connecting Allahabad to different parts of the country. Also, the Uttar Pradesh cabinet earlier this week sanctioned Rs 550.95 lakh for developing basic infrastructure facilities for pilgrims and saints coming for next year’s Kumbh Mela in Allahabad.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 14, 2018 03:21 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).