Fort open to Kumbh visitors

The all-embracing spirit of Maha Kumbh has caught up with the armed forces which have thrown open up parts of a fort built by Mughal emperor Akbar at the holy Sangam, giving pilgrims and tourists access to the historic Patalpuri Temple and the Saraswati Koop.

The Army, with its expertise in medicine and disaster management, has also set up a camp to help the visitors any crisis.

“The Patalpuri Temple, the Akshayvat tree held sacred by Hindus and the Saraswati Koop — a symbol of the goddess of learning and the mythical river named after her which has a confluence with Ganga and Yamuna at the Sangam had been inaccessible to people as these fall in defence land. However, we have now thrown these spots open to the public,” Major General Bishamber Dayal, general officer commanding Purva UP and MP sub-area, said.

“Presence of an ordnance depot makes the fort a sensitive area. However, we have realised that this must not deprive visitors of an opportunity to enjoy parts of the exquisite specimen of architecture wherein lie places of religious and cultural importance,” he said.

Now they will be allowed to take a guided tour of parts of the fort besides the Akshayvat, Patalpuri and Saraswati Koop without seeking any special permission, the Major General said.

“We have, even in the past, allowed commoners to enter the fort and visit places of their interest. The good news is that this arrangement will now remain in place even after the Kumbh is over,” he added.

Dayal said some areas will be out of bounds for the visitors for security reasons.
He said the armed forces have shared parts of defence land for the 12-yearly Maha Kumbh congregations in the past keeping the religious sentiments of people in mind.

“We propose to open more areas under our jurisdiction if a stampede-like situation arises and the need for an emergency exit route is felt,” he said.