In response to the stampede fatalities at the confluence during the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh, the administration has taken significant steps to introduce five key changes. The entire fair area is now declared a No-Vehicle Zone, disallowing any form of vehicular entry. All vehicle entry has been banned. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reviewed the situation, appointed officers, and issued new directives.
The administration states that these changes aim to control the crowd and ensure the safety of the pilgrims in the Kumbh area. Pilgrims are urged to comply with administrative instructions to avoid any disorder.
Key Changes at the Maha Kumbh
Source: aajtak
Following the stampede on Mouni Amavasya, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath issued guidelines to control the crowd and enhance coordination between departments. He has ordered the deployment of Ashish Goyal, who served as Divisional Commissioner during Kumbh 2019, and former ADA Vice-President Bhanu Goswami to strengthen arrangements.
CM has instructed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to conduct an in-depth review of the Maha Kumbh Mela arrangements. He emphasized ensuring seamless management for Basant Panchami by scrutinizing every aspect. The current ADG and DM in Prayagraj are to oversee pilgrim facilities.
Related: Who's Responsible for the Maha Kumbh Tragedy? Analyzing 30 Deaths - How Many to Blame?
According to a government statement, five special secretary-level officers are being appointed to oversee operations. They will remain in Prayagraj until February 12 to help improve systems. Additionally, SP-level officers will be deployed for better management and security.
Source: aajtak
Post the early Wednesday chaos, the Chief Minister held a late-night video conference with senior police officials and other officers from districts including Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mirzapur, Basti, Jaunpur, Chitrakoot, Banda, Ambedkarnagar, Pratapgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Bhadohi, Raebareli, and Gorakhpur.
After reviewing updates from ADG and the District Magistrate of Prayagraj, CM emphasized the need for increased caution and vigilance in the fair area. He also sought updates on security and crowd management from officials in Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Chitrakoot, instructing coordination with the Prayagraj administration for districts neighboring Prayagraj.
Related: Maha Kumbh Stampede: Who's at Fault - Could the Tragedy Have Been Averted? Discover What Happened at the Confluence
The Chief Minister noted that a large number of pilgrims are at all railway stations in Prayagraj preparing to return from bathing. The ADG and DM in Prayagraj are instructed to ensure each pilgrim's safety. In light of the crowds, additional buses should be mobilized by the Transport Corporation. Holding areas with provisions for food and water have been established in view of the crowd, ensuring uninterrupted power supply at these locations.
Source: aajtak
The Patrol Instructions for These Routes
Additionally, patrols are to be intensified on main routes including Ayodhya-Prayagraj, Kanpur-Prayagraj, Fatehpur-Prayagraj, Lucknow-Pratapgarh-Prayagraj, and Varanasi-Prayagraj, ensuring smooth traffic while avoiding unnecessary stops. If street vendors are occupying pathways, their relocation should be ensured.
The Chief Minister stated that the next sacred bath is on February 3, on Basant Panchami. Thousands of pilgrims visiting the Maha Kumbh are also headed to Varanasi and Ayodhya for darshan and worship, while many are traveling to Chitrakoot and Mirzapur. Increased vigilance is necessary in these cities over the next two days. Holding areas should be established. Effective barricade usage is crucial, along with improved traffic management and ample parking arrangements.
