UP Govt Implements Key Changes After Maha Kumbh Stampede: No Vehicle Zone, VVIP Passes Canceled

At least 30 people were killed, and 60 others were injured in the stampede on Wednesday as millions of devotees gathered in the Mela area to take a holy dip on one of the most auspicious days of the Kumbh Mela.

The Uttar Pradesh government has implemented strict measures in Prayagraj a day after a stampede occurred at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

At least 30 people were killed, and 60 others were injured in the stampede on Wednesday as millions of devotees gathered in the Mela area to take a holy dip on one of the most auspicious days of the Kumbh Mela.

Advertisement

The government has claimed that the stampede was triggered by devotees pushing against barricades in an attempt to reach the Sangam area.

In response to the tragedy, the state government has decided on five major changes, which have been implemented by the administration:

Advertisement

Changes brought by the administration:

  1. Complete no-vehicle zone: Entry of all types of vehicles is strictly prohibited in the Maha Kumbh fair area.
  2. VVIP passes cancelled: No special passes will facilitate vehicle entry, with no exceptions.
  3. One-way traffic implemented: One-way traffic has been enforced to ensure the smooth flow of devotees.
  4. Vehicle entry restricted: Vehicles from neighboring districts of Prayagraj are being stopped at the district border to prevent traffic congestion.
  5. Strict restrictions until February 4: The entry of four-wheelers into the city has been strictly banned until this date to maintain order.

Additionally, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath further directed IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Goswami to rush to Prayagraj. Both had played key roles during the successful management of the 2019 Ardh Kumbh. Bhanu Goswami was the District Magistrate and Vice Chairman of the Kumbh Mela Authority, while Ashish Goyal was the Commissioner of Allahabad, managing the event.

Advertisement

Furthermore, five special secretary-rank officers with experience in handling large events have been deployed to support the Maha Kumbh.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued several guidelines following the disaster, focusing on crowd control, traffic management, and inter-departmental coordination. He has ordered a review of the Maha Kumbh arrangements by the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP). The Additional Director General (ADG) and the District Magistrate of Prayagraj have been directed to ensure the safe and smooth departure of all devotees from the city.

Advertisement

In a late-night video conference, CM Yogi addressed senior police officers and officials from multiple districts. He instructed them to coordinate closely with rail authorities and directed the Transport Corporation to deploy extra buses to handle the rush.

He emphasized that crowd pressure should not build up anywhere, and there should be no traffic or crowd jams on the roads. Street vendors currently occupying the roads should be relocated to empty areas to prevent traffic disruptions.

Advertisement

The CM also ensured that visitors to the Mela should not face any undue restrictions while moving through the fairgrounds.

On Wednesday, the state government announced the formation of a three-member judicial commission to investigate the causes of the stampede.

Advertisement

The panel consists of Justice Harsh Kumar, former Director General V.K. Gupta, and retired IAS officer V.K. Singh. The Chief Minister also announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased.

Read also| Stampede at Maha Kumbh, Adityanath Reports Serious Injuries to Some Devotees

Advertisement

Read also| Stampede at Maha Kumbh: 30 Women Injured Ahead of Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya

Advertisement

Advertisement