Following the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj that claimed 30 lives and injured 60 others, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented five stringent safety measures, including a no-vehicle zone.
The incident occurred on Wednesday as millions of devotees gathered for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, a significant day of the Kumbh Mela. According to Deputy Inspector General of Maha Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, the stampede was triggered by pilgrims pushing against barricades in their rush to reach the Sangam (confluence).
In response, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened an emergency meeting with senior officials, directing them to regulate crowd movement by establishing holding areas at border points and ensuring unobstructed return routes from Prayagraj.
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Key Measures Implemented after Maha Kumbh stampede
A judicial inquiry has been ordered into the stampede. Officials have been instructed to maintain smooth traffic flow, prevent unnecessary halts, and control crowd buildup.
Enhanced patrolling has been mandated, with police ensuring major routes—Ayodhya-Prayagraj, Kanpur-Prayagraj, Fatehpur-Prayagraj, Lucknow-Pratapgarh-Prayagraj, and Varanasi-Prayagraj—remain clear. All return routes must stay open and unobstructed.
Vehicle restrictions: Entry of four-wheelers into Prayagraj has been banned until February 4. Vehicles from bordering districts are being stopped at entry points, with no special passes issued or exemptions granted.
Street vendors relocated: Those operating along roads will be shifted to vacant areas to prevent traffic disruptions.
Crowd management: Devotees will be allowed to move based on real-time conditions, with sufficient food and water provided at all designated holding areas.
Additionally, Adityanath confirmed that the Amrit Snan will proceed as planned on Basant Panchami, on February 3. The Chief Secretary and Director General of Police have been tasked with reviewing Mela’s arrangements on Thursday.
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