Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 2 (PTI) – In the wake of the tragic January 29 stampede, the Uttar Pradesh government has intensified preparations for a safe and orderly Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami, expected to draw nearly five crore pilgrims on Monday.
Adopting a "zero-error" approach as per Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s directives, the administration has implemented "Operation Eleven" to enhance crowd management. Key measures include:
- One-way traffic system in the Mela area to ease congestion.
- Increased barricading and additional police forces, particularly on pontoon bridges to prevent accidents.
- Enhanced security at New Yamuna and Shastri bridges, with armed forces deployed at critical points like Tikarmafi Turn and Phaphamau Bridge.
- Strategic traffic diversions to regulate the movement of devotees.
Massive Security and Transport Reinforcements
To manage the influx of pilgrims, the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC) has deployed 2,500 buses operating from four temporary stations, with 550 shuttle buses running every two minutes.Railways and city transport have also been streamlined, with Prayag Junction and key city intersections under heightened security, assisted by the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC).
Medical Infrastructure on High Alert
Given the scale of the event, over 1,200 medical personnel have been stationed at Mahakumbh Nagar, with hospitals in Prayagraj on high alert.At Swarup Rani Nehru Hospital,
- 500 medical staff are on standby,
- 150 beds have been reserved for emergencies,
- 60 resident doctors are on 24-hour alert,
- 30 CT scan machines, MRI, ultrasound, and a 200-unit blood bank are fully operational.
Govt Deploys Experts from 2019 Kumbh for Crisis Management
In an effort to ensure seamless execution, the government has called in senior IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Chandra Goswami, both instrumental in the successful 2019 Ardh Kumbh. They will work alongside Mela Adhikari Vijay Kiran Anand to oversee the event.The chief minister, who visited Prayagraj on February 1, reviewed Basant Panchami Snan preparations and instructed officials to leave no room for errors. His visit comes days after the January 29 stampede at Sangam Nose, which left 30 dead and 60 injured. The disaster was attributed to overcrowding, as devotees surged past barriers, crushing those waiting for their holy dip.
Religious Leaders Urge Crowd Management at Sangam
With 1.23 crore pilgrims already taking a dip by 6 PM on Sunday, the crowd is expected to grow exponentially. Mahant Ravindra Puri, president of the Akhil Bharatiya Akhara Parishad, urged devotees to consider the entire 10-km radius of Prayagraj as holy rather than focusing solely on the Sangam area, to avoid unnecessary congestion.Swami Avdheshanand Giri, Peethadheeshwar of Juna Akhara, praised the divine and well-organized arrangements for the Maha Kumbh.
PM Modi to Visit Mahakumbh on February 5
Adding to the security challenges, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Mahakumbh Nagar on February 5, making the next few days crucial for the Mela administration.With two more special Snans on February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Mahashivratri), the government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage experience for millions of devotees seeking spiritual salvation at the Triveni Sangam.
