A day after a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, where 30 people lost their lives and over 90 were injured, the state government has introduced strict measures to prevent such incidents in the future. The Prayagraj administration has taken major steps, including declaring the entire fair area a no-vehicle zone.

How the stampede happened

The tragic incident took place during Mauni Amavasya, a very important bathing day in the Hindu calendar. Millions of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers—to take a holy dip. The huge crowd led to chaos as people pushed against barricades, trying to get closer to the water.

Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Maha Kumbh, Vaibhav Krishna, explained the reason behind the incident: "The incident took place due to the pressure of the crowd. The crowd broke through barricades and jumped to the other side, crushing those waiting there. Over 90 injured were rushed to the hospital, of whom 30 died."

Five key changes implemented

To avoid any further tragedies, the administration has introduced five major changes:

  1. Complete no-vehicle zone—No vehicles will be allowed inside the Maha Kumbh Mela area.
  2. VVIP passes cancelled—No special passes will allow vehicle entry, ensuring the safety of all pilgrims.
  3. One-way routes implemented: A one-way traffic system will control the movement of devotees and reduce crowding.
  4. Vehicle entry restricted—Vehicles from nearby districts will be stopped outside Prayagraj to prevent congestion.
  5. Strict restrictions until February 4: No four-wheelers will be allowed inside the city until this date to maintain order.

Top officials assigned for better management

To improve crowd control and ensure smooth arrangements, senior IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Goswami, who successfully handled the 2019 Ardh Kumbh, have been sent to Prayagraj. Additionally, five other officers with experience in managing large-scale events will assist in Maha Kumbh operations.

Judicial inquiry and compensation for victims

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a thorough investigation into the tragedy. He has formed a three-member judicial commission that includes Justice Harsh Kumar, former DG VK Gupta, and retired IAS officer VK Singh. Their task is to determine the exact cause of the stampede and recommend measures to prevent such incidents in the future.

The Chief Minister also announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of each deceased victim. Expressing deep sorrow over the incident, he said, "It is important to get to the bottom of the whole episode on how such a tragedy occurred." He further mentioned that the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) will visit the Maha Kumbh site on Thursday to conduct a detailed investigation.

Opposition blames government for mismanagement

The opposition has strongly criticised the Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre over the mishandling of the event. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi blamed the administration’s focus on VIP movement as the reason behind the tragedy.

Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party president Akhilesh Yadav has called for the Indian Army to take over the management of the Maha Kumbh, claiming that only the military can handle such a massive religious gathering effectively.

Spiritual significance of Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh is the biggest religious gathering in the world, where millions of pilgrims come to take a holy bath at the Triveni Sangam. They believe that bathing in this sacred river during the Kumbh cleanses their soul and helps them achieve moksha (salvation).

The recent tragedy has made people worry about how big crowds are managed at such events. Authorities are now taking strict steps to make sure that no more accidents happen and that the event continues safely.