such a massive convergence of pilgrims. Numerous tactics were employed including the use of non-conventional zero-discharge toilets as well as outsourcing additional sanitation workers. Civil society was engaged to manage several lost-and-found camps, and a ‘green’ awareness campaign was undertaken to ban the use of polythene bags during the event. The safety and security of pilgrims was paramount, and police services developed contingency plans, combined with new security technology and improved communications tactics, to ensure a positive and tranquil event. The ultimate result was a peaceful Kumbh Mela without incident of terror or crime. Millions of pilgrim tourists who converged at Sangam enjoyed a satisfying, rejuvenating and fulfilling experience. Overall standards were exemplary and widely appreciated, particularly in the following areas: cleanliness and hygiene; crowd management; quantity and quality of water at bathing ghats; and the behaviour of the ‘last-mile’ service providers and security forces. There have been multiple lessons learned while implementing innovative practices during Kumbh Mela 2013 that could aid in developing a framework for identification, formulation and implementation of innovations. These include: Ma n a g eme n t t e am o f K umb h Me l a 2 0 1 3 wi n s C APAM g o l d • Connecting with the last-mile worker. The experience of Kumbh revealed that regular and open interaction with those who are at the cutting edge of operations and service delivery helped immensely in clarifying existing problems and solving them through innovative solutions • Empowering grass-roots workers to make on-the-spot decisions in the public interest. Quick decisions helped prevent small problems from escalating when key individuals were given powers to take control in the knowledge that they would have the full backing and support of the leadership • Changing the out-dated and bureaucratic mindset while inculcating problem-solving attitudes. Officials were motivated to embrace the overall vision of Kumbh Mela and work towards its realisation. The decisions taken by supervising officers during review meetings and spot inspections were quick and non-bureaucratic. This change in management encouraged the grass-roots officials to share and implement ideas • Involving stakeholders and civil society. The probability of successful and sustainable implementation of innovations, and their wide-scale acceptance, was improved by the involvement of relevant stakeholders and civil society at appropriate stages Commonwealth Governance Handbook 2014/15 43 The Ganges River and Varanasi ghats during the Kumbh Mela festival Kurkul / Shutterstock.com
CEP template 2012
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