Prayagraj : The recent stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj has prompted significant changes in crowd management and safety protocols. On January 29, 2025, during the auspicious Mauni Amavasya, a sudden surge of pilgrims led to a tragic incident that left 30 dead and 60 injured. As millions flocked to the sacred confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna, chaos erupted around 2 AM when barricades failed under the pressure of the crowd.
In response to this disaster, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has implemented several key measures aimed at preventing future incidents. Here are the five major changes introduced:
- Complete No-Vehicle Zone: All vehicles are now prohibited from entering the Maha Kumbh fair area. This measure aims to reduce congestion and ensure smoother movement for devotees.
- Cancellation of VVIP Passes: No special passes will be issued that allow vehicle entry, ensuring that all pilgrims are treated equally and reducing preferential access that may have contributed to overcrowding.
- One-Way Traffic System: A one-way route system has been established to streamline pedestrian traffic, helping manage the flow of devotees more effectively.
- Vehicle Entry Restrictions: Vehicles coming from neighboring districts are being stopped at district borders to further alleviate congestion within Prayagraj.
- Extended Restrictions Until February 4: These vehicle restrictions will remain in place until February 4, as authorities continue to monitor and manage the situation.
In addition to these measures, the government has ramped up security with the deployment of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) and increased surveillance through AI-powered CCTV cameras and drones across the Mela grounds. Over 1,000 medical professionals have been mobilised to provide immediate assistance and care for the injured.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah have expressed their condolences to the victims’ families and assured support for relief efforts. A judicial commission has also been formed to investigate the stampede thoroughly, comprising retired officials tasked with uncovering how such a tragedy could occur during a major religious event.
Eyewitness accounts reveal a harrowing scene as panic spread among devotees. Many reported that three out of four gates leading to the Sangam were closed, forcing thousands into a bottleneck at the only open entrance. The rapid influx of people created an uncontrollable situation as barriers broke under pressure, leading to injuries and fatalities.
Despite these tragic events, the Maha Kumbh Mela continues, with millions still expected to attend in the coming days. Authorities are urging pilgrims to remain calm and adhere to new guidelines designed for their safety. The next significant event, another Amrit Snan, is scheduled for February 3, 2025, prompting ongoing discussions about how best to manage such large crowds while ensuring everyone’s safety.
As preparations continue for upcoming rituals, it is clear that lessons must be learned from this incident to prevent any recurrence of such chaos in future gatherings.