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Tight security for 'Shahi Snan' at Sangam

About 10 million devotees are expected to take a holy bath at the Sangam (confluence of three rivers, Ganga, Yamuna and the mythical Saraswati) in Allahabad on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Sunday.

The Kumbh Mela administration has made elaborate security arrangements to meet any eventuality.

"A tight security cordon had been thrown around the mela area and traffic restrictions have been imposed on the movement of heavy vehicles in the city to enable pilgrims to reach the Sangam ghats without difficulty," District Magistrate Jeevesh Nandan said.

He said arrangements for the first holy dip -- 'Shahi Snan' -- were complete and security had been tightened in the area.

Nandan said the longstanding disputes between the 'Juna' and 'Niranjan' akharas over the timing and routes to be taken for the 'Shahi Snan' had been resolved with both sides reaching an amicable settlement on Saturday night.

The mela administration has also banned bathing by VVIPs and VIPs at the Sangam on important bathing days to enable the officials to concentrate on security arrangements, Nandan said.

With thousands of police and paramilitary personnel guarding the area, the Kumbh village looks like a fortress.

PTI

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