Prayagraj, Nov. 6 -- Preparations for the annual Magh Mela 2026, set to begin on January 3, have been delayed due to flooding and waterlogging in the Sangam area. The floods, caused by the late retreat of the monsoon, have left nearly 25% of the land at Sangam Nose under water. District magistrate Manish Kumar Verma said that tenders for most departments have been finalised, but work has only started in dry areas. "Water is still present in some parts of the mela area, which has delayed preparations," he said. Rishiraj, vice chairman of the Prayagraj Development Authority and Magh Mela officer, said that 70-80% of tenders have been invited and levelling work is progressing quickly in dry zones. Rajendra Paliwal, president of the Prayagwal Sabha, urged officials to consider shifting part of the mela site to higher ground if the area remains waterlogged by mid-November....