Prayagraj : At least seven people were killed and around 10 injured in a stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in northern India on Wednesday, according to officials. The tragic incident occurred as tens of millions of devotees gathered for a holy dip on what is considered the most auspicious day of the six-week-long Hindu festival.
Despite the challenges posed by the massive influx of visitors, authorities have implemented extensive measures to manage the enormous crowd at the festival, which began on January 13 in the northern city of Prayagraj. With an estimated 400 million attendees expected, the Maha Kumbh Mela is poised to be the world’s largest human gathering.
TENT CITY
A sprawling temporary settlement has been constructed across 4,000 hectares (9,990 acres) along the riverbanks—equivalent to approximately 7,500 football fields. The site accommodates devotees in 150,000 tents and features nearly the same number of toilets to maintain hygiene standards.
Illuminating the pathways of this vast settlement are 69,000 LED and solar lights, while a workforce of 15,000 sanitation workers is deployed to ensure cleanliness throughout the festival.
SECURITY MEASURES
To maintain order and safeguard visitors, authorities have established temporary police stations and checkpoints throughout Prayagraj. Additionally, three floating ‘water police stations’ have been set up on the river to monitor activities along the ghats.
Over 50,000 security personnel, including paramilitary forces and bomb disposal squads, have been deployed to handle emergencies and ensure public safety.
TECHNOLOGY IN CROWD CONTROL
Cutting-edge technology plays a crucial role in overseeing the festival grounds. Authorities have deployed thousands of CCTV cameras, drones, and tethered drones for aerial surveillance. Meanwhile, anti-drone systems are in place to detect and eliminate unauthorized drones.
In a first for the festival, underwater drones capable of operating at depths of up to 100 meters (3,330 feet) have been introduced. These advanced drones are equipped with night-vision capabilities to enhance security and safety in the river.
Also Read | Chaos at Maha Kumbh: Deadly Stampede Claims Lives in Prayagraj
FIRE SAFETY MEASURES
Fire prevention remains a top priority, with every tent equipped with firefighting tools. More than 1.3 billion rupees ($15 million) has been allocated for fire safety, ensuring the readiness of 351 firefighting vehicles and a team of 2,000 trained personnel.
A fire incident on January 19 saw flames engulf several tents, but swift intervention ensured the blaze was contained without any casualties.
LOST-AND-FOUND CENTRES
With millions of attendees, reuniting lost individuals—especially children and the elderly—is a critical task. Dedicated lost-and-found centers have been established, with specific sections catering to women and children. Loudspeakers installed along the riverbanks make continuous announcements to help locate missing persons.
Authorities have also employed advanced facial recognition technology, utilizing images from nearly 3,000 CCTV cameras to track and reunite separated individuals with their families.
Despite the vast logistical challenges, these measures aim to ensure a safe and organized Maha Kumbh Mela, allowing millions of devotees to participate in the sacred rituals with minimal disruptions.
