200 water ATMs, 6,500 tap stands: UP prepares for Mahakumbh 2025 in Prayagraj

According to the water department officials, pipelines spanning the entire fairground, totalling 1,249 kilometres, will cater to the water needs of the pilgrims and Akharas. 

In Short

• UP government will set up 1,249 km of pipelines to supply water at fairgrounds
• Water tankers to be used where pipelines aren't feasible, officials said
• Preparations for 400 million pilgrims to finish by December 15

To ensure that no pilgrim goes thirsty during the Mahakumbh 2025, the Yogi Adityanath-led Uttar Pradesh government has decided to install 200 water ATMs and 6,500 tap stands at several locations along all the approach roads and open grounds in the outer part connected to the fair area, with the initial phase already underway. The responsibility for this has been given to the Jal Sansthan (waterworks department).

Pilgrims will be able to access purified RO (reverse osmosis) water by simply pressing a button. According to the water department officials, pipelines spanning the entire fairground, totalling 1,249 kilometres, will cater to the water needs of the pilgrims and Akharas.

Where pipeline access isn’t feasible, water tankers will be deployed, the officials added.

Officials overseeing the Sangam fair said that departments such as the Jal Kal Department, Jal Nigam, and Irrigation Department are coordinating to ensure a 24-hour water supply for the pilgrims.

Nearly all the 36 newly constructed tube wells are operational, and extensive tanker arrangements will be made for inner areas of the fair.

Special attention is being given to regions such as Daraganj, Kidganj, Mutthiganj, Chhota Baghara, Bairahana, Sohbatiya Bagh, Teliyarganj, Govindpur, Jhunsi, and Naini.

With Mahakumbh 2025, the Yogi government aims to provide a unique experience for over 400 million pilgrims, and preparations are progressing at a rapid pace, with completion expected by December 15.

(With inputs by Anand Raj)