4-day deadline to wrap up Kumbh work

CM seeks information on 'disappearance' of Shankaracharya's follower

Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday directed the local administration to complete all Kumbh-related works by January 6.

"I have found the preparations for Kumbh satisfactory. However, I will be visiting other areas too and strict action will be taken against those found guilty of dereliction of duty," he said during his interaction with mediapersons at Sangam.

The CM was told that out of the 18 pontoon bridges, 16 had been constructed and the remaining two would be completed on January 3 and 6. The work of laying checkered plates for movement of vehicles in sand was also almost complete. Later, Yadav directed the Health Department to ensure that sanitation was proper in the Mela area and there was no shortage of medicines. The police was asked to ensure no let-up in security.

On the issue of Swami Swaroopanand Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Dwarika peeth, leaving Kumbh after his demand for Chatushpath was not met, Yadav said: "The presence of saints and gurus adds to the charm of Kumbh Mela. Our officials have been making every effort to ensure that all saints and gurus come to Kumbh. There is still time and I would like the officials to talk and resolve the issue." He added that so far there has been no tradition of Chatushpath.

The Dwarka Shankaracharya has been demanding Chatushpath — all four Shankaracharyas be put together in one block around an intersection. The demand had led to a controversy between him and the akharas, with the latter alleging that the Shankaracharya was trying to encroach on other ashrams' land.

The CM added that he had asked for complete information on reported disappearance of Swami Paripoornanand, a supporter of Swaroopanand who was protesting against Mela authorities not acceding to the demand of Chatushpath.

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