New Delhi: As the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj prepares for the Maghi Purnima Snan, marking the culmination of the Kalpvas period, the administration has implemented extensive safety and crowd management measures following last month’s tragic stampede. The holy dip is expected to draw massive crowds, with an estimated 3 crore devotees anticipated to participate.
Prayagraj has been designated a “no vehicle zone” to facilitate the smooth movement of pilgrims. Devotees’ vehicles will be parked in designated areas based on their arrival routes. This restriction, excluding essential services, will remain in effect throughout the event. Authorities are leveraging technology, including ANPR and AI-enabled cameras, along with data from toll plazas, to monitor traffic flow and manage the influx of pilgrims.
Medical preparedness is also a priority. 133 ambulances, including river and air ambulances, are on standby, and over 40 hospitals in Mahakumbhnagar are on high alert. 2,000 medical personnel are deployed within the Kumbh area, and an additional 700 are stationed at Swarooprani Nehru Hospital. Blood banks, hospital beds, and expert medical teams, including specialists from AIIMS Delhi and Banaras Hindu University, are ready to handle any medical emergencies.
The railways have scaled up their operations, with plans to run approximately 225 special trains to accommodate the increased pilgrim traffic. This follows a similar arrangement implemented for Mauni Amavasya, which saw 150 special trains deployed.
Crowd management strategies have been significantly enhanced following the stampede on January 29 that resulted in casualties. A heavy police presence, supplemented by paramilitary forces and the Rapid Action Force, is deployed to maintain order and ensure the safe movement of devotees. Drones are being used for aerial surveillance and traffic monitoring.
“We are using ANPR and AI-enabled cameras and also taking inputs from different toll plazas about the number of incoming vehicles. The Mela area will remain a ‘no vehicle’ zone from today ahead of Magh Purnima. The city will also become a ‘no parking’ zone from today. A separate traffic arrangement has been made for the Kalpvasis. Wrongly parked vehicles are being picked up by cranes,” Prayagraj Police Commissioner Tarun Gauba was quoted as saying by NDTV.
The Kalpvas period, central to the Maha Kumbh, involves residing near the sacred river for a designated duration, engaging in spiritual practices and purification rituals. Over 10 lakh devotees have observed Kalpvas at the Triveni Sangam this year. The Maghi Purnima Snan holds immense religious significance and marks the culmination of their spiritual journey.
The heightened security and crowd control measures reflect the administration’s commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of the millions of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh, particularly in light of recent events. The comprehensive arrangements aim to facilitate a peaceful and spiritually enriching experience for all pilgrims.
