In response to a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh that claimed at least 30 lives, the Uttar Pradesh government has introduced stringent guidelines aimed at improving crowd and traffic management and ensuring better coordination to prevent such incidents in the future.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a special meeting with the Kumbh Mela administration in Prayagraj to review the situation and implement necessary measures.
Following this, significant changes have been enforced, including declaring the entire fair area a no-vehicle zone, with these measures expected to remain in place until February 4.
Key Measures Introduced by the UP Government:
- No-Vehicle Zone: Entry of all types of vehicles has been strictly prohibited in the Maha Kumbh Mela area to ensure a smooth and safe movement of devotees.
- Cancellation of VVIP Passes: Special vehicle entries through VVIP passes have been revoked, ensuring equal movement for all visitors.
- One-Way Bath Routes: Bathing routes have been restructured into a one-way system to prevent congestion. Pilgrims heading to the river for a dip will not cross paths with those returning, streamlining movement and reducing the risk of crowd surges.
- Monitoring of Train and Bus Operations: With thousands of devotees present at railway stations in Prayagraj after completing their pilgrimage, Yogi Adityanath has directed district officials to ensure their safe return home. “It is our responsibility to guarantee their safety. Continuous coordination with railway authorities must be maintained to keep trains running smoothly, and additional buses from the transport corporation should be deployed,” he emphasized.
- Enhanced Security Deployment: Recognizing the need for strengthened administration, the Chief Minister has increased the workforce at the Kumbh Mela site. Former Prayagraj Divisional Commissioner Ashish Goyal, who managed the 2019 Kumbh, along with another experienced officer, has been assigned to oversee and facilitate the arrangements at the mela grounds.
The Maha Kumbh Stampede Tragedy
The devastating incident unfolded on Wednesday as millions of devotees gathered to take a sacred dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the holiest days of the Kumbh Mela.
According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Maha Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, the stampede was triggered when devotees pushed against barricades in a desperate attempt to reach the holy waters. At least 30 people lost their lives, and over 60 others sustained injuries in the chaotic rush toward the Sangam Nose.
In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted an emergency late-night video conference with senior police officials and administrators from multiple districts, including Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mirzapur, Basti, Jaunpur, Chitrakoot, Banda, Ambedkarnagar, Pratapgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Bhadohi, Rae Bareli, and Gorakhpur.
Preparations for Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami
Despite the tragedy, preparations are underway for Amrit Snan (royal bath), scheduled to take place on Basant Panchami, February 3. Chief Minister Adityanath has instructed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to conduct a comprehensive review of the arrangements at the Mela site to ensure that all safety protocols are in place before the event.
With these measures, the UP government aims to enhance security, manage crowds effectively, and prevent any further mishaps during one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
