Source: Concerns Over 2010 Maha Kumbha Mela Preparations

HARIDWAR, INDIA, November 22, 2009: The Maha Kumbha Mela is expected to attract 10 million people in its next gathering. But Satpal Brahmachari, former chairman of the city board, says that the authorities are not utilizing the funds given by the government for the preparations of the festival properly. “The construction work which is being commenced now, should have been completed two months back. The city has been facing a problem of traffic jams lately, due to the dug up roads. The authority has to speed up and complete the work efficiently,” said Brahmachari.

Though the preparation for the festival has taken a front seat, the locals believe there is still a lot of work to be done. “The work will finish on time, as the laborers are working very hard. But still there are some areas that they need to pay attention to,” said Anil Kumar, a local. “The authorities concerned have yet to make provisions for the holy saints,” he added.