Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh – A day after a devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj claimed at least 30 lives and left 90 others injured, authorities have announced stringent measures to enhance crowd management and prevent further incidents. Among the key changes implemented by the state government is the declaration of the entire fair area as a No-Vehicle Zone.
The tragedy unfolded on Wednesday as millions of devotees gathered at the Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers—for the Mauni Amavasya holy dip, one of the most auspicious events of the six-week-long Hindu festival.
According to Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Maha Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, the stampede was triggered when devotees pushed against barricades in an attempt to reach the holy waters.
Key Safety Measures Implemented:
- Complete No-Vehicle Zone: All types of vehicles are now strictly prohibited from entering the Maha Kumbh fair area.
- VVIP Passes Cancelled: Special passes allowing vehicle entry have been revoked, ensuring no exceptions.
- One-Way Routes Enforced: A one-way traffic system has been implemented to streamline the movement of devotees and prevent congestion.
- District Border Restrictions: Vehicles from neighboring districts are being stopped at entry points to reduce traffic buildup.
- Strict Restrictions Until February 4: The entry of four-wheelers into Prayagraj has been banned until this date to maintain order.
In response to the tragedy, IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Goswami, both instrumental in managing the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, have been dispatched to Prayagraj to oversee crowd management efforts. During the previous Kumbh, Goswami served as District Magistrate and Vice Chairman of the Kumbh Mela Authority, while Goyal was the Commissioner of Allahabad.
Judicial Inquiry Ordered
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident. A three-member commission has been tasked with investigating the causes of the stampede and submitting a report to the state government.
“The judicial commission will look into the entire matter and submit its findings within a stipulated timeframe,” the Chief Minister told reporters.
Unprecedented Crowd Numbers Raise Concerns
The Maha Kumbh Mela, held once every 12 years, has drawn an unprecedented number of devotees this year. On Wednesday alone, over 76 million people participated in the holy dip, bringing the total attendance to nearly 280 million since the festival commenced two weeks ago. The overall turnout is expected to reach 400 million, making it the largest religious gathering in the world.
Despite the festival’s spiritual significance—Hindu devotees believe bathing at the Sangam purifies them of sins and ensures salvation—the recent tragedy has prompted widespread criticism. Opposition leaders and local media have questioned the administration’s preparedness and called for enhanced crowd control measures, particularly ahead of the upcoming ‘royal dips,’ which attract the largest gatherings.
Calls for Improved Crowd Management
Editorials in leading publications, including the Hindustan Times, have highlighted the urgent need for better crowd control. “There is much scope for improving crowd management at the Kumbh,” a recent editorial noted, advocating for increased personnel deployment and the integration of advanced technology to prevent similar disasters.
With more ‘royal dips’ scheduled in the coming weeks, authorities are under pressure to ensure stringent safety protocols and prevent further tragedies at the world’s largest religious congregation.
