Uttarakhand govt allocates Rs 32.7 crore for Kumbh 2016

Giving an impetus to Ardhakumbh Mela preparations, Uttarakhand government has cleared projects worth Rs 32.7 crore with a strict directive to the authorities to complete the work in a time-bound manner.
The projects of permanent nature worth Rs 32.7 crore related to 2016 Ardhakumabh were cleared at a meeting of the empowered committee chaired by Chief Secretary Rakesh Sharma yesterday, an official release here said.
Considering the proximity of the event where a vast congregation of devotees converge on the banks of the Ganga in Haridwar, it is imperative that the work is taken up on a priority basis and completed on time, Sharma said.

Rs 178 crore have already been released by the state government for preparations of the event and the additional Rs 32.7 crore should be released within this week, he said.
The Ardhkumbh projects mainly include repair and construction of roads and ramps in the mela area.
Non-allocation of funds for Ardhakumbh preparations has been a major grouse of the ruling Congress. The state has accused the Centre of meting out step-motherly treatment. The ruling party has also threatened that they will not allow Union Ministers to enter the state, if the funds are not released.