UP Government Implements Strict Measures After Maha Kumbh Stampede

In response to the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela that resulted in at least 30 deaths and 60 injuries, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented strict measures to ensure safety and prevent further incidents.

The stampede occurred on Wednesday as millions of devotees gathered for a holy dip during Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Kumbh Mela. Authorities stated that the stampede was triggered when devotees pushed against barricades in an attempt to reach the Sangam nose area.

UP Government Introduces Key Changes

Following the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh administration announced five key changes aimed at improving crowd management and reducing congestion:

• Complete No-Vehicle Zone
  The government has declared the entire Maha Kumbh Mela area a no-vehicle zone, strictly prohibiting the entry of all types of vehicles. This measure is designed to reduce the risk of accidents and ease crowd movement.
• VVIP Passes Canceled
  The government has canceled all VVIP passes, ensuring that no special passes allow vehicle entry into the Mela area. This decision eliminates exceptions and aims to create a level playing field for all visitors.
• One-Way Traffic System
  To streamline the movement of devotees, authorities have implemented a one-way traffic system in the Mela area. This system is expected to minimize congestion and facilitate a smoother flow of people.
• Vehicle Entry Restricted from Neighboring Districts
  Vehicles arriving from neighboring districts of Prayagraj will be stopped at district borders to reduce congestion in the city and on the roads leading to the Mela.
• Four-Wheeler Ban Until February 4
  The government has imposed a complete ban on the entry of four-wheelers into the city until February 4 to maintain order and ensure smooth movement within the city limits.

UP Govt Appoints Experienced Officers For Management

To bolster crowd management efforts, the government has deployed experienced IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Goswami to Prayagraj. Both officers had key roles in managing the 2019 Ardh Kumbh Mela, where Goswami served as the District Magistrate and Vice Chairman of the Kumbh Mela Authority, while Goyal was the Commissioner of Allahabad overseeing operations.

In addition, five special secretary-rank officers with previous experience in managing large-scale events have been assigned to assist with the ongoing Maha Kumbh operations.

Chief Minister’s Directives For Coordinated Efforts

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has taken immediate action to ensure safety and coordination among various departments. During a late-night video conference, CM Yogi instructed senior police officers and officials from multiple districts to work closely with rail authorities.

He directed the Transport Corporation to deploy additional buses to accommodate the large number of devotees traveling to and from the Mela. In addition, the CM emphasized the importance of preventing crowd build-up, traffic jams, and pedestrian congestion.

He directed that street vendors occupying pathways be relocated to open areas to avoid disruptions. Furthermore, he ensured that visitors would not face unnecessary restrictions while moving through the Mela grounds.

In response to the tragedy, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced the formation of a three-member judicial commission to investigate the causes of the stampede.

The commission will be led by Justice Harsh Kumar, with former Director General V.K. Gupta and retired IAS officer V.K. Singh as members. The Chief Minister also announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of those who lost their lives in the incident.

Ongoing Efforts To Ensure Safety & Order

As the Kumbh Mela continues, the Uttar Pradesh government remains focused on implementing these new measures to prevent any further incidents and ensure the safety of the millions of devotees visiting Prayagraj.

Also Read: All-Party Meeting Today; Budget To Commence On January 31