Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj

In the wake of a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, which led to the death of at least 30 people and left more than 60 others injured, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced a series of significant changes aimed at better managing the ongoing Kumbh Mela. The incident, which occurred in the Mela area, has prompted authorities to tighten their control over crowd and traffic management to prevent further tragedies.

One of the major measures announced by CM Yogi is the imposition of a strict ban on the entry of four-wheelers in Prayagraj until February 4, 2025. This measure, aimed at controlling the swelling crowds and ensuring the safety of devotees, will also apply to all types of vehicles, including those carrying VIPs. The decision comes in response to growing concerns about the safety of pilgrims attending the mega religious event, which attracts millions of people from across India and abroad. The state government has urged devotees to strictly follow the new guidelines and cooperate with authorities to avoid any potential chaos.

The unfortunate stampede, which occurred in one of the busiest areas of the Kumbh Mela grounds, was a stark reminder of the challenges involved in managing such a large-scale event. CM Yogi has ordered a judicial probe into the incident to determine the causes and prevent a recurrence. While the investigation is ongoing, the government is focused on implementing immediate measures to improve the safety and organization of the event.

Among the key measures announced by CM Yogi, the following stand out:

1. Complete Vehicle Ban in Mela Area: All vehicles, including two-wheelers and four-wheelers, will be prohibited from entering the Mela grounds. The area will be designated as a no-vehicle zone to ensure a smoother flow of pedestrians and prevent congestion.
2. Cancellation of VVIP Passes: In an effort to curb the culture of VIP treatment, the Chief Minister has ordered the cancellation of all VVIP passes. Vehicles carrying high-profile individuals, including political leaders and celebrities, will not be granted special entry into the Mela grounds. This move has garnered significant attention, especially after reports of prominent personalities, such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Yogi himself, and international stars like Coldplay’s Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson, being spotted at the event. The opposition has heavily criticized this culture of VIP treatment, which they claim often prioritizes the movement of influential individuals over the safety and well-being of ordinary pilgrims.
3. One-Way Traffic System: To prevent traffic jams and ensure the smooth movement of devotees, a one-way traffic system has been implemented on major roads leading to the Mela grounds. This will not only help in avoiding congestion but also allow law enforcement and emergency services to respond more quickly in case of any unforeseen incidents.
4. Border Checkpoints and Holding Areas: Vehicles coming from districts adjoining Prayagraj are being stopped at the district borders. To manage the flow of people, the authorities have set up holding areas where devotees can wait before proceeding to the Mela grounds. This will help in reducing the crowd density at the main event location and prevent overcrowding in specific areas.
5. Enhanced Crowd Control Measures: The state government has directed officials to use barricading and other crowd control techniques to ensure the safety of the devotees. There will be greater coordination between various departments to manage the crowd effectively, especially during the peak bathing dates when millions of people are expected to arrive.

In a late-night video conference with senior officers, CM Yogi also appealed to devotees to stay calm and follow the guidelines to ensure a peaceful and orderly experience for all participants. With the next two days expected to see a massive influx of devotees from various cities such as Varanasi, Ayodhya, and Chitrakoot, the government is keen to avoid further chaos and ensure that all arrangements are in place.

The tragic stampede has also drawn political attention, with the opposition using it as a platform to criticize the state government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Yogi administration for its “poor management” and for allegedly prioritizing the movement of VIPs over the safety of the common people. He also called on the government to make proper arrangements to prevent such incidents in the future. This criticism was amplified by the media coverage of high-profile personalities attending the Mela, which many saw as an example of the state’s misplaced priorities.

Despite the political rhetoric, CM Yogi has reiterated that the safety and security of devotees remain the government’s top priority, and he has urged all stakeholders, including political parties and social organizations, to cooperate in maintaining order during the remainder of the Kumbh Mela.

Maha Kumbh Mela

As the Kumbh Mela continues, the authorities remain vigilant and are implementing these measures in hopes of preventing further tragedies and ensuring that the spiritual gathering remains a safe and enriching experience for millions of devotees. The tragic incident at the Maha Kumbh Mela serves as a harsh reminder of the challenges involved in organizing such a vast religious event and the need for continuous improvement in crowd management and safety protocols.

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