Prayagraj: Portion of Kumbh Mela heliport building collapses

A portion of an under-construction building for a heliport at the Kumbh Mela site in Prayagraj (Allahabad) collapsed on Wednesday night. Two labourers working at the site were trapped under the debris of the building. However, both were rescued and shifted to hospital for medical treatment. Ahead of the Kumbh Mela scheduled to begin on January 15, several construction works are taking place in Prayagraj. The collapse of the heliport building raises the safety concern as the incident could be bigger had it happened after the start of the Kumbh Mela when lakhs of people arrive from across the world to have a dip in the holy water of the Ganges.

Several construction works are taking place near the banks of the Ganges for the Kumbh Mela which will start from January 15. A massive temporary city is set up along the city for the Kumbh Mela. Lakhs of devotees gather at the fair, which is held once in 12 years, to bathe in the sacred waters.

Massive security arrangements have been made for the mega religious congregation of Hindus. Over 20,000 police personnel have been deployed for the security of the religious event which is always on the target of terrorists. An integrated Control and Command Centre has been set up and thousands of CCTV cameras have been installed in the area.