A day after the devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh festival, which claimed the lives of at least 30 people, the Uttar Pradesh government introduced stringent measures to improve crowd management and ensure the safety of devotees. Among the measures, vehicular movement was restricted, VIP passes were cancelled, security deployment was increased, and unnecessary restrictions on the pontoon bridges were lifted.
The government declared that the Maha Kumbh area would be a “no-vehicle zone” until February 4, following the conclusion of the next “Amrit Snan” on Basant Panchami. This move is aimed at easing congestion and ensuring smooth passage for devotees. Additionally, the entry of four-wheelers and buses from outside Prayagraj was banned until February 4. Vehicle passes were made invalid until all pilgrims safely left the site, according to the Superintendent of Police (Traffic), Anshuman Mishra. However, police and emergency service vehicles would be allowed to move freely.
In a bid to streamline access, the authorities also revoked VIP passes, eliminating special access for dignitaries, and instructed that any VIP movements be planned at least a week in advance to avoid last-minute disruptions.
The stampede occurred on Wednesday morning when surging crowds rushed towards the riverbank ahead of the ‘Amrit Snan’ on Mauni Amavasya, a key day during the festival. Eyewitnesses pointed to a lack of proper crowd control measures, leading to chaos and the tragic loss of lives. Survivors blamed inadequate police arrangements for the disaster.
The state government’s response includes increased security with the deployment of additional paramilitary forces and an ongoing reassessment of crowd management strategies. The authorities are now focusing on better crowd distribution and ensuring timely exits for pilgrims. Meanwhile, a judicial commission has been formed to investigate the incident and submit a report within a month.
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