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Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has asked his cabinet colleagues not to visit Haridwar during the Maha Kumbh mela.
The prime minister's request came following a plea from Uttarakhand Chief Minister Ramesh Pokhrial, which stated that VVIP visits during the mela should be avoided as the district administration was finding it difficult to make protocol arrangements on those days.
Cabinet Secretary KM Chandrasekhar wrote to all Union ministers, enclosing a copy of the Uttarakhand CM's letter.
The Cabinet Secretary's letter is reproduced below:
Dear Minister,
You may be aware Maha Kumbh 2010 is being observed at Haridwar, Uttarakhand and the first major Snaan on January 12, 2010 saw over 10 lakh pilgrims taking a dip in the Ganges.
The dates for other Mukhay Snaan/Shahi Snaan are January 20, February 12, March 15 (Somwati Amawasya), second Shahi Saan on March 16 (Nav Samvastar), March 24 (Sri Ramnavmi), March 30 and April 14.
The Uttarkhand chief minister has requested the prime minister to impress upon the VVIPs, including his cabinet colleagues, to kindly avoid visits to Haridwar on the Mukhya Snaan/Shahi Snaan days, as it is difficult for the state administration to make special arrangements towards protocol and security of the VVIPs. A copy of his letter is enclosed.
The chief minister of Uttarkhand has referred to unpleasant situations in the past due to inadequate arrangements for VVIPs.
As desired by the prime minister, your kind attention is drawn to the request of made by the Uttarkhand chief minister.
With regards,
K M Chandrasekhar
Cabinet Secretary