Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav has strongly criticized the Uttar Pradesh government for severe traffic congestion affecting the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. He highlighted that the massive traffic jams have disrupted the supply of essential commodities, causing significant hardship for both pilgrims and local residents.
In a recent post on X (formerly Twitter), Yadav expressed deep concern over the situation, stating that millions are stranded without access to basic necessities. He emphasized the gravity of the situation, noting that the unavailability of food, water, and medical supplies has left many devotees in distress.
Yadav questioned the competence of the current administration in managing such a significant event. He suggested that, given the apparent mismanagement, the responsibility of overseeing the Maha Kumbh should be entrusted to more capable individuals. He remarked that while the current officials are adept at propaganda, they lack effective administrative skills.
Further elaborating on the plight of the attendees, Yadav pointed out that many have lost contact with their families due to drained phone batteries, exacerbating their anxiety. He also highlighted the lack of provisions for on-ground staff, including police constables and sanitation workers, who are working tirelessly without adequate support.
The former chief minister’s remarks come in the wake of reports detailing extensive traffic jams, some stretching up to 300 kilometers, leading into Prayagraj. These congestions have left countless devotees stranded in their vehicles for hours. Observers have described the situation as possibly the largest traffic jam in history.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, recognized as one of the world’s largest religious gatherings, is currently underway in Prayagraj and is scheduled to continue until February 26. To date, the event has attracted approximately 40 million participants, with numbers expected to rise in the coming weeks.
The massive influx of pilgrims has overwhelmed the city’s infrastructure. A sudden surge of devotees heading towards the tent city recently caused significant traffic jams on routes leading to the Sangam area. Many pilgrims, arriving from various states, found themselves stuck in prolonged traffic snarls, highlighting the challenges faced by the administration in managing such a vast congregation.
In response to the escalating crisis, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented several measures to alleviate the situation. These include designating certain areas as no-vehicle zones and restricting VVIP passes to ensure better crowd management. However, despite these efforts, challenges persist, and the administration continues to face criticism over its handling of the event.
The ongoing situation underscores the need for comprehensive planning and efficient execution when managing events of such magnitude. The concerns raised by Akhilesh Yadav and the experiences of the pilgrims highlight the critical importance of effective governance and the timely provision of essential services during large-scale gatherings.
