PRAYAGRAJ, June 26 -- The members of the Prayagwal Sabha, the association of Teerth Purohits (pilgrim priests), have asked for an increase in the number of 'Takhats'-seating spaces-at the Sangam area. They say the current number is not enough to serve the growing number of devotees visiting during the annual Magh Mela, the Ardh Kumbh held every six years, and the Mahakumbh held every twelve years. Pandit Rajendra Paliwal, president of the Prayagwal Sabha, said there are around 1,000 registered Teerth Purohits. With more and more pilgrims visiting throughout the year, it has become difficult to manage with the present arrangements. He added that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government at both central and state levels has been organising the mela on a larger scale every year, making the need for better facilities more urgent. The 'Takhats' are wooden platforms with tin roofs where Purohits sit and guide the devotees, also known as 'Jajmaans'. The land around the Sangam belongs to the army, and the list of these seating spaces is also kept with army officers. According to Paliwal, there were 98 Takhats listed officially until 2001. This number was increased to 112 in 2013, but even that proved insufficient during the Mahakumbh. "We need at least 250 Takhats now," said Paliwal. He also pointed out that a permanent structure was earlier allotted to the Purohits near the Bade Hanuman temple. However, it was demolished after the Mahakumbh without any prior notice to the Prayagwal Sabha. He urged the Mela Authority to provide new seating space on Jagdish Ramp Marg near the mela entrance or on Mahaveer Marg....