A day after a tragic stampede claimed 30 lives at the Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government redoubled its efforts to ensure the safety and orderly management of the millions of devotees gathering for this grand religious congregation. As Thursday unfolded, more and more pilgrims were seen taking dips at the Sangam and other sacred ghats. By midday, as reported by the state authorities, approximately 15.2 million enthusiastic pilgrims had bathed in these holy waters, marking their spiritual beliefs. Remarkably, the total number has swelled to over 275.8 million so far, a testament to the Maha Kumbh's enduring spiritual pull.
Amid the swelling crowd of devotees, all bridges in Prayagraj have been reopened to facilitate movement. The reactivation of pontoon bridges has been particularly significant in managing the crowd. DIG Kumbh Vaibhav Krishna emphasized that police forces are rigorously working to ensure a robust security arrangement ahead of the upcoming Basant Panchami Snan (February 3), a day allocated for ceremonial bathing.
"In anticipation of a large turnout, we are intensifying the deployment of police personnel and strengthening security guards," he remarked. On Thursday, the pressure was slightly reduced, allowing the reopening of all bridges which subsequently eased the flow within the fair area. However, better crowd management strategies, including new restrictions across main spots, are anticipated before Basant Panchami.
Source: aajtak
Pilgrims Flocking to Sacred Ghats
In line with the official directives, DIG Krishna reaffirmed that during Mauni Amavasya and geared towards Basant Panchami, there will be no VIP movement in the fair's vicinity. Despite persistent thick fog in the early hours, the day turned gradually sunnier, casting a warm light over the Kumbh Mela grounds as pilgrims continued their pilgrimage to the Sangam and other ghats in an unbreaking stream throughout the day.
Many pilgrims took the route through the Kachchap Gate towards the Sangam, while others who came for the Mauni Amavasya rituals gradually retreated back to the city after their devotionals.
Source: aajtak
Conversion to No-Vehicle Zones
Given the lingering threat of overcrowding post the unfortunate event, the Police Superintendent (Traffic) Anshuman Mishra confirmed this area as a No-Vehicle Zone until the situation completely stabilizes. "Until all devotees safely depart, vehicular passes will not be acknowledged. Entry to additional vehicles within the city limits will remain constrained until the fairground disperses," he mentioned.
The situations might permit senior officials to authorize vehicle entries based on situational assessments. Mishra clarified that vehicles of the police administration, ambulances, and essential services like suction machines would be granted entry, underscoring their significance in an orderly Maha Kumbh management.
Expertise Reinforcement with Senior Officials
To further bolster the arrangements, the government will assign two former senior officials adept in fair duties — Ashish Goyal, the Divisional Commissioner during the 2019 Kumbh, and Bhanu Goswami, ex-Vice Chairman of Agra Development Authority. Moreover, five special secretary-level officers are being appointed to oversee operations. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath assured these dignitaries would remain in Prayagraj until February 12, dedicated to aiding the systematic orchestration of the mega event.
