Magh Mela Gears Up for Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya; Ghats Expanded, Safety Boosted

• Prayagraj's Magh Mela intensifies preparations for Makar Sankranti (Jan 15) and Mauni Amavasya (Jan 18) bathing festivals.
• Bathing ghats expanded from 7000 to 9000 feet, with Sangam Nose also being enlarged for larger crowds.
• Poclain-JCB machines are clearing silt from ghats to ensure sufficient space for devotees.
• Enhanced safety measures include deep water barricading, water police, deep divers, NDRF, and SDRF teams.
• Deputy CM Keshav Prasad Maurya assures best arrangements, expecting 1-1.5 crore devotees for Makar Sankranti and 3.5-5 crore for Mauni Amavasya.

Why It Matters: Magh Mela authorities are making extensive preparations for the upcoming major bathing festivals.