Major Changes In Maha Kumbh Safety Rules Following Stampede

Following a devastating stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, that lead to at least 30 lives and more than 60 injuries, the UP government has ordered a list of strict measures. To ensure the safety of the devotees and for better management of the crowd, the major changes have been made.

The stampede took place on the Mauni Amavasya, among the most sacred days of the Kumbh, as millions of pilgrims rushed towards the Sangam. The tragedy then led to the immediate changes in the event’s management.

According to IANS, UP government has declared five key changes for better safety and controlling of crowds.

  1. VVIP Passes Suspended: All the VVIP and special passes, that were issued earlier to allow entry at the meal area, have been cancelled by the government to reduce the possibility of overcrowding caused by special access.
  2. Execution of One-Way Traffic: A new one-way traffic system has been implemented to remove the blockages and also flow of vehicular movement is maintained as well.
  3. Four-wheeler Vehicles Prohibition: As per the rules the four-wheeler vehicles have been banned to enter the city         till February 4 to safeguard smooth operations.
  4. Restriction of Vehicles at grounds: All types of vehicles are forbidden from entering the Kumbh Mela grounds to ensure that the movement of devotees is undisturbed.
  5. Limitation on Vehicle entrance: Nearby districts’ vehicles are also stopped at the borders to ease out congestion and control the entry of people into the city.

According to PTI, to handle the crowd, the state government has assigned experienced officers to oversee the arrangements. IAS officers Bhanu Goswami and Ashish Goyal have been allotted to the city as both have experience of handling large-scale events. To boost coordination and management till February 12, they both will joining the team along with five additional secretary-level officers.

Measures like additional buses to accommodate the surge in visitors and surveillance has been increased at major routes and railway destinations by the UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the smooth departure of devotees along with public safety.

The state also declared the formation of judicial commission to probe the stampede’s reasons to be headed by Justice Harsh Kumar.

Read Also: Maha Kumbh Stampede: How Tragedy Struck World’s Largest Religious Congregation In Prayagraj

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