Simhastha-Kumbh Preparations: Clearing 1,500 Makeshift Homes Near Kanh and Saraswati Rivers
New Delhi: In preparation for the 2028 Simhastha-Kumbh Mela, authorities in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh, have announced plans to clear around 1,500 makeshift houses that have encroached upon the catchment areas of the Kanh and Saraswati rivers. This significant move is part of a broader effort to ensure the Kshipra river, which plays a central role in the festival, remains pollution-free and pristine.
The Simhastha-Kumbh Mela, a major Hindu religious event held every 12 years in Ujjain, attracts tens of thousands of devotees who come to take a holy dip in the Kshipra river. This river is considered sacred according to Hindu scriptures, believed to have originated from the heart of Varaha, the boar incarnation of Lord Vishnu. The cleansing of the Kshipra river is vital for maintaining the sanctity and purity of the ritual baths performed during the festival.
Encroachments in the catchment areas of the Kanh and Saraswati rivers have led to concerns about pollution affecting the Kshipra river. The makeshift houses in these areas are contributing to the degradation of water quality, potentially jeopardizing the spiritual significance of the Simhastha-Kumbh Mela. By removing these structures, authorities aim to mitigate pollution and restore the natural flow of the river.
This proactive measure is expected to enhance the river’s condition, ensuring it is in optimal shape for the upcoming Mela. The clean-up initiative underscores the commitment to preserving the environmental and cultural integrity of one of India’s most revered religious events.
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