Maha Kumbh: Zero Animal Zone to be implemented in mela area

Prayagraj: The Kumbh Mela authorities are working on a comprehensive plan to make the entire Kumbh mela campus a ‘Zero Animal Zone' to prevent any inconvenience to devotees during the world's biggest religious and spiritual gathering.

With around 40 crore devotees and tourists expected to attend the Maha Kumbh-2025, the mela authorities are implementing special arrangements for all routes leading to and from the Kumbh area to ensure cleanliness and order. Under the same initiative, a Zero Animal Zone will be implemented in the Mela area for the first time.

Veterinary and welfare officer of Prayagraj Municipal Corporation (PMC) Vijay Amrit Raj said, "The entire Kumbh area, including the Sangam, Naini, Jhunsi, and Civil Lines, will be free from animal activities." He emphasised that all large and small animals will be completely banned in mela areas. The corporation is currently running a campaign to remove large animals from the Kumbh vicinity and clear directives have been issued to cattle owners to ensure that no animals are left on the streets during this period.

Under this campaign, five shelters are being constructed for small animals, including dogs and cats. Two shelters will be located at Parade Ground, while one each will be in Naini, Jhunsi, and Phaphamau. Arrangements for food and water of the animals will be ensured at these shelters.

Apart from this, all major routes connecting to the Kumbh area—Mirzapur Marg, Rewa Road, Lucknow Marg, Kanpur Road, and Chitrakoot Marg—will be kept free from large animals. Dairy owners operating in the areas adjacent to the riverfront, from Daraganj to Phaphamau, have been instructed to either remove their animals from the vicinity or relocate them outside the city. Strict actions will be taken on non-compliance. Action as taken against five dairies in the riverfront area and they were removed.

The animal husbandry department has established twelve teams to implement the Zero Animal Zone plan. According to the livestock officer of the Municipal Corporation, seven teams will focus on removing large animals from this zone, each comprising four members. In addition, five teams will be assigned to oversee the small animal shelters established by the corporation, with additional teams available if necessary. This arrangement will be in effect from January 2025 to March 31, 2025.