Prayagraj has imposed new restrictions ahead of the next significant day at the Maha Kumbh. These measures include limiting crowds in light of the millions of devotees expected to descend upon the city during Maghi Purnima, the fifth of the six auspicious days for taking a dip. The restrictions were introduced following a stampede on January 29th that killed at least 30 pilgrims.
Starting Tuesday at 4 a.m., the fair zone will be closed to vehicles in an effort to minimize crowd size. This restriction will apply citywide from 5 p.m. onwards. Visitors to the city will be required to park their vehicles in designated areas along different routes.
The traffic arrangement will remain in effect until the devotees leave the Mela. However, essential and emergency services are exempt from the restrictions. These restrictions will also apply to the vehicles of Kalpvasis, who stay at Sangam for a limited time.
On Monday night, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a meeting with police and civic officials to review the arrangements for the occasion. He emphasized the need for a detailed traffic and crowd management plan and directed officials to fully utilize the parking capacity of 5 lakh vehicles.
“Long lines of vehicles should not be allowed to form on the road. Traffic congestion must be avoided at all costs,” he said. The traffic advisory follows the second Shahi Snan (holy bath) stampede that occurred on Mauni Amavasya, January 29, leaving at least 30 people dead and 60 others injured, according to official figures.
Videos from the scene showed barricades set up to prevent pedestrians from walking on the road. In an attempt to move forward, the crowd broke through the barricades and surged ahead.
A three-member commission of inquiry has been established to investigate the cause of the stampede. The commission, comprising Justice Harsh Kumar, former Director-General VK Gupta, and retired IAS officer VK Singh, is expected to submit its report to the government next month.
In addition to the judicial inquiry, the Chief Minister announced a compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased. The Maha Kumbh is the largest gathering of people in the world, which began on January 13 and will end on February 26. As of February 10, over 44.74 crore people had participated in the Kumbh fair.
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