The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented stringent measures following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj that claimed 30 lives and left 60 injured on Wednesday.
The new directives, issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, aim to enhance crowd control and ensure the safety of pilgrims at the world's largest spiritual gathering.
In a late-night video conference, Adityanath instructed senior police officials and district authorities to declare the Kumbh Mela area a no-vehicle zone.
VVIP passes have been revoked, and roads leading to the fairground have been converted into one-way routes to facilitate smoother movement.
The Chief Minister emphasised the need for holding areas at border points to regulate crowd flow and directed officials to maintain open return routes from Prayagraj.
"The crowd pressure should not build up anywhere, and there should be no traffic jams," he stressed.
New guidelines for crowd management
All types of vehicles have been banned from entering the Kumbh Mela area.
Even vehicles with special passes are barred from access. Four-wheelers are being stopped at district borders, and this restriction will remain in place until 4 February.
Adityanath ordered a judicial probe into the stampede and directed officials to ensure smooth traffic flow. "Street vendors should be moved to empty areas to avoid blocking traffic," he added.
Devotees must be allowed to proceed based on the situation at hand, and proper arrangements for food and water must be made at holding areas.
Transport measures
The Chief Minister instructed police officers to increase patrolling and ensure that key routes such as Ayodhya-Prayagraj, Kanpur-Prayagraj, and Lucknow-Pratapgarh-Prayagraj remain unobstructed. Adequate barricading and parking arrangements have also been mandated.
Given the heavy footfall at Prayagraj railway stations, Adityanath directed the Additional Director General (ADG) and the Prayagraj District Magistrate to ensure the safe and smooth departure of devotees.
Additional special trains and extra buses have been requested from the Transport Corporation to accommodate the rush.
Vigilance
With thousands of devotees expected in Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Mirzapur over the next two days, Adityanath called for heightened vigilance in these cities. Holding areas have been created at border points to manage the inflow of pilgrims.
Adityanath highlighted the significance of the upcoming Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami, scheduled for 3 February, and directed the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police to review arrangements comprehensively.
The Chief Minister’s measures come in response to widespread concerns following the tragedy, which saw devotees jostling for space to take a holy dip at the Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya.
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