Prayagraj (UP), Feb 21 (PTI) Union Culture and Tourism Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat on Friday described Maha Kumbh as a unique example and said it is not only an event of religious and cultural importance but it is also important from the economic and environmental point of view.

The 45-day Maha Kumbh at Prayagraj started on January 13 and will end on February 26, the Mahashivratri day. According to the Uttar Pradesh government, about 59 crore people have so far taken a dip in the sacred waters of the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and Saraswati.

Also Read | Delhi Shocker: 2 Sanitation Workers Die of Asphyxiation While Cleaning Sewer in Narela, One Critical.

Speaking at the Kumbh Global Summit organised by India Foundation at Triveni Complex on Friday, Shekhawat said the Maha Kumbh, along with being the world's largest cultural and spiritual gathering, has also become one of the biggest economic events of the country at present.

He said according to the Confederation of All India Traders, the Maha Kumbh has generated trade worth 360 billion dollars (about Rs 3 lakh crore). It will increase the country's GDP by one per cent and many other far-reaching economic effects will be seen, he said.

Also Read | Pope Francis Health Update: Doctor Says Pontiff Isn't out of Danger but His Condition Isn't Life-Threatening.

Shekhawat said more than the economic effects, Maha Kumbh has also developed cultural, social and spiritual consciousness, which is a milestone in realising our basic spirit of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam.

Referring to the environmental effects of the Maha Kumbh, the Union minister said special attention has been given to environmental protection in this event. For this, more than 15,000 sanitation workers have been deployed.

Effective steps have also been taken through artificial intelligence (AI) and digital technology, due to which the Maha Kumbh has become a model for achieving the goals of sustainable development, he said.

(The above story is verified and authored by Press Trust of India (PTI) staff. PTI, India’s premier news agency, employs more than 400 journalists and 500 stringers to cover almost every district and small town in India.. The views appearing in the above post do not reflect the opinions of LatestLY)