Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath said on Wednesday that the situation in Maha Kumbh was now under control and some devotees have been critically injured in the stampede.
He also urged the people not to pay heed to the rumours.
He said that around 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj and there is continuous pressure due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam Nose.
He said that as of 8.30 a.m. three crore people have taken a holy dip.
The CM was speaking to the media in Lucknow even as the high-level meeting of top officials at his residence was on.
He said he was moved by the stampede-like situation in the Maha Kumbh Mela and added all assistance was being provided and the Maha Kumbh administration was alert.
CM Yogi said the situation happened at 2 a.m. as devotees rushed to the Sangam nose and the barricades broke due to a massive crowd.
The CM said, "A few devotees have suffered serious injuries when they tried to cross barricading on Akhara Marg. The injured have been shifted to hospitals for medical treatment. Since Mauni Amavasya mahurat started last night, a large number of devotees have been coming in."
"The situation is now under control…Snan of devotees is a priority for us," he said.
CM Yogi said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation four times till now. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Anandiben Patel are also continuously taking reports of the situation, he said.
The situation in Prayagraj is under control but the crowd size remains massive. The saints of different Akhaaras have said that devotees should take the holy dip first and once crowds reduce Akharas will proceed for the holy dip," the CM said.
CM Yogi once again appealed to the devotees not to pay attention to the rumors and to visit other ghats. "There are large crowds at Sangam Nose, Nag Vasuki Marg and Sangam Marg. I appeal to the devotees to not pay attention to any rumors. Ghats have been made in the entire Kumbh area, devotees don't need to move towards Sangam nose only. Devotees should take holy dip at the ghats nearest to them."
The CM said that proper medical treatment was being ensured to the injured persons.
The Railways have arranged special trains from different stations of the Prayagraj region for the devotees to be taken to their respective destinations, he further said.
CM Yogi was holding a meeting with the top officials of the state following the situation after the stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
Constant monitoring of situation at Maha Kumbh: Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary Home, CM office officials and ADG Law and order are present at the war room established for Maha Kumbh 2025.
The Chief Minister has been continuously getting update reports from officers and holding meeting since 4.00 AM with key officers in order to provide necessary guidelines for action".
Earlier, CM Yogi had requested the devotees attending the Maha Kumbh to follow guidelines, cooperate with the administration and not pay heed to rumors. He requested the devotees to bathe at one of the designated Ganga ghats nearest to their location instead of trying to reach the 'Sangam Nose' area.
"There are multiple ghats available for bathing. Please avoid overcrowding and follow the directions of the administration.". Your cooperation is vital in maintaining order and safety," he said on social media platform X early in the day.
Earlier, PM Modi spoke to CM Yogi about the situation following the stampede-like situation in the Kumbh area. The Prime Minister called for immediate support measures.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with the Chief Minister, assuring him full support from the Centre.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda spoke to Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and assured full support, including volunteers and health services, to handle the situation effectively.
Diversion crowd plan was initiated at Maha Kumbh and entry of devotees was banned. Groups of devotees were stopped on the outskirts of the city.
A stampede-like situation broke out at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday ahead of the 'Amrit Snan' on 'Mauni Amavasya'.
A large number of pilgrims appeared for a holy bath on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, resulting in a stampede-like situation and many people being injured. According to reports, at least 30 women are said to have been injured and are being treated at the central hospital set up in the Mela area.
It is said that Uttar Pradesh government anticipated 10 crore devotees to reach the Maha Kumbh in just a day and heightened the security measures for 'Amrit Snan'.
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