To accommodate the devotees and tourists attending the Prayagraj Kumbh Mela, the administration requires 4,000 boats, while there are currently only 1,455 available. Therefore, there is an urgent need for about 2,500 more boats, leading to a remarkable increase in demand and a flurry of boat building activity in the Nishad community.
In the Nishad community of Arail locality, nearly every household is involved in crafting boats these days. With only a few days left before the Kumbh begins, meeting the deadline has become paramount, as the demand significantly outweighs the supply.
Boat construction represents a vital income stream for the Nishad community, and they have never before received such a high volume order. For the Kevat community, it presents an extraordinary chance to expand their economic prospects. As a result, the Kumbh Mela has ushered in a wave of prosperity for thousands of families. It has provided employment opportunities, enhancing the economic condition of these people. For them, the Kumbh Mela is akin to a blessing.
A visit to a boat factory revealed that 25 boats are in the final stages of completion. According to an artisan, constructing one boat takes approximately two days, utilizing premium Sakhur wood, tin sheets, tar, and other materials. A medium-sized boat is sold for around 70,000 rupees, ensuring the craftsman earns a decent profit per sale.
Post-construction, these boats will undergo a boating test conducted by the administration, subsequently granting licenses to the boatmen. Apart from boat construction, the Kevat community can expect to earn significantly by navigating the boats on the Ganga-Yamuna rivers during the Mela. Essentially, the Kumbh has arrived bearing happiness for their families.
The Mela administration has made a significant decision to amplify the interests of the boatmen by increasing the boat rental by 50%. They are also being provided life-saving jackets and a 200,000-rupee insurance cover.
When discussing the Kumbh Mela, the focus often remains on its religious and spiritual aspects, overlooking its economic benefits. The Mela not only boosts the state's economy but also provides substantial advantages to millions of impoverished families.
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, the unprecedented demand for 2,500 additional boats was established.
