ram-mandir-witnesses-overwhelming-devotee-influx-cm-yogi-reviews-crowd-management-measures

Thousands of devotees, clad in warm attire, braved the cold on a Wednesday morning to queue up outside the newly inaugurated Ram temple in Ayodhya, with around 3 lakh people paying their respects to Ram Lalla by afternoon today.

 

The temple opened its doors to the public the day after a grand consecration ceremony, drawing approximately 5 lakh devotees on the first day.

 

As the influx of devotees in Ayodhya surged, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting in Lucknow to assess crowd management measures. He also advised VIPs intending to visit the temple to inform the authorities in advance.

 

According to a district administration official, an estimated 3 lakh people had offered prayers at the Ram temple until Wednesday afternoon. Director General (Law and Order) Prashant Kumar assured that a well-organised queuing system was in place for devotees, and the situation was under control.

 

When questioned about crowd management, Principal Secretary, Home, Sanjay Prasad stated, "Darshan is going on smoothly. We have established a public facilitation centre and a different exit route. There is no crowd now." Roadways buses from Sultanpur to Ayodhya were temporarily halted to control the crowd.

 

Nagendra Prasad Pandey, Regional Manager of the Uttar Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation (UPSRTC), mentioned that the decision was made following oral orders from Sultanpur District Magistrate Kritika Jyotsana. Roads leading to Ayodhya experienced heavy traffic.

 

An official statement reported that Chief Minister Adityanath, in a meeting with officials, reviewed arrangements at the temple complex for crowd management. He advised VIPs to inform the state government or the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust about their visits a week in advance.

 

"With a multitude of devotees from across the country flocking to Ayodhya Dham, eager to catch a glimpse of their revered deity Lord Shri Ram, it would be appropriate for VIPs and distinguished individuals to inform the local administration, Shri Ram Janmbhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust, or the Uttar Pradesh Government a week in advance before scheduling their visit," stated the chief minister.

 

Adityanath directed officials to temporarily halt additional roadway buses to Ayodhya and emphasised the state government's responsibility for ensuring safety, convenience, and unhindered 'darshan' for devotees.

 

To maintain order, the chief minister advised people to stand in queues along designated paths, particularly considering the elderly, children, and women. He recommended playing Ram Bhajans at a low volume on major roads and called for dignified behaviour from security personnel.

 

Adityanath emphasised the establishment of designated holding areas, gradual release of devotees for darshan, and the safeguarding of belongings. He instructed officials to ensure the availability of drinking water, arrange wheelchairs for the elderly and disabled, and provide bonfires and jute mats on the paths due to the cold weather.

 

Transportation facilities for devotees post-darshan were also highlighted, with Adityanath calling for arrangements through roadways buses. He instructed strict action against any attempts to disrupt the peaceful atmosphere on Republic Day, urging the protection of religious sentiments and enforcing a zero-tolerance policy against any actions aimed at spreading hatred.

 

The ongoing developments in Ayodhya underscore the significance of organised crowd management and the implementation of measures to ensure a smooth and peaceful pilgrimage experience for devotees visiting the newly inaugurated Ram temple.