Yogi Government imposes no-vehicle zone, bans VVIP passes after Maha Kumbh stampede

Following a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented stricter safety measures. The stampede occurred on Wednesday as millions of pilgrims rushed to bathe at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, during Mauni Amavasya, a major day of the Kumbh Mela.

Deputy Inspector General Vaibhav Krishna explained that the stampede was caused by pilgrims pushing against barricades in an effort to reach the Sangam. In response, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held an emergency meeting with senior officials to address the situation. He emphasized controlling crowd movement and ensuring safety for future events.

The government has introduced several measures to prevent further incidents:

1. Judicial Probe: Adityanath ordered an investigation into the stampede to determine the causes and ensure accountability.
2. No-Vehicle Zone: A strict no-vehicle zone has been enforced. Vehicles from neighboring districts are stopped at border points. No four-wheelers will be allowed into Prayagraj until February 4. Special passes for vehicles will not be issued under any circumstances.
3. Crowd and Traffic Management: Police have intensified patrolling and set up holding areas at border points. Key routes connecting Prayagraj to Ayodhya, Kanpur, Fatehpur, Lucknow, and Varanasi must remain clear. All return routes from the city will be kept open to avoid congestion.
4. Vendor Relocation: Street vendors near the Mela will be relocated to avoid blocking roads and causing further disruption.
5. Provision of Basic Amenities: Adequate arrangements for food and drinking water will be set up at holding areas for devotees. Pilgrims will be allowed to move according to the situation on the ground, ensuring safety during their journey.

In addition, Adityanath announced that the Amrit Snan, a major bathing ritual, will take place on Basant Panchami, February 3. The Chief Secretary and Director General of Police have been instructed to assess the Mela arrangements and ensure the implementation of safety measures.

These steps aim to restore order and ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims attending the Kumbh Mela, one of the world’s largest religious gatherings.