A fire erupted at the ongoing Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, marking the fifth such incident since the start of the gathering. The latest blaze occurred in Sector 8 of the Kumbh Mela area, specifically in a private camp. This incident came just two days after a devastating fire had destroyed seven tents at an ashram in Sector 19 of the same area.
According to the Chief Fire Officer, Pramod Kumar Sharma, the fire was classified as a “minor” one. It was quickly brought under control, and no injuries or loss of life were reported. The affected camp included tents from two separate organizations: Shri Kapi Manas Mandal and Upbhokta Sanrakshan Samiti. Two tents from each of these camps were completely destroyed by the fire, but thankfully, no one was present at the time.
The recent fire in Sector 8 follows a series of other incidents at the Maha Kumbh Mela, with five fire outbreaks since January 19. These include a fire that took place on January 30, followed by another one on February 17. The fires have added to the ongoing challenges of managing safety at one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13, continues to draw millions of devotees. With the main event still ongoing, authorities are on high alert to prevent further accidents. The Mela is scheduled to conclude on February 26. As of now, over 530 million devotees, including both domestic and international visitors, have taken part in the holy ritual of dipping in the Triveni Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
This year’s Kumbh Mela has not been without tragedy. On January 29, a stampede during the Mauni Amavasya saw over 30 devotees lose their lives. The massive turnout that day, far exceeding expectations, led to chaos at the Sangam, where thousands gathered to take their holy dip. Adding to the tragedy, a stampede on February 15 at the New Delhi Railway Station claimed 18 lives, as thousands of devotees attempted to reach Prayagraj for the Mela.
The Kumbh Mela is recognized as one of the largest religious congregations in the world, and its safety management has always been a top priority. While the scale of the gathering continues to grow, authorities are working tirelessly to ensure the safety of all participants.
With the ongoing incidents raising concerns, it is imperative for both the authorities and the pilgrims to remain vigilant and prioritize safety measures. The recent string of fire incidents highlights the need for continuous monitoring and preparation to mitigate any potential risks as the Mela progresses towards its conclusion.
