New Delhi: Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a high-level meeting with top state officials to address the situation following a stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.
The Chief Minister has been closely monitoring the events, with the Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary-Home, CM Office officials, and ADG Law and Order all present in the war room established for Maha Kumbh 2025.
Since 4:00 a.m., CM Yogi has been receiving updates and providing directives to key officers. He urged devotees at the Maha Kumbh to adhere to guidelines, cooperate with the administration, and ignore rumors.
In his appeal, the CM advised attendees to bathe at the nearest Ganga ghats instead of trying to reach the heavily congested Sangam Nose area. He emphasized the importance of following administrative directions to help maintain safety and order.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi reached out to CM Yogi regarding the stampede situation, calling for immediate support measures. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also assured the Chief Minister of full backup from the Central government. In addition, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda pledged support in terms of volunteers and health services to effectively manage the situation.
A crowd diversion plan was activated at Maha Kumbh, preventing further entry of devotees, and halting groups on the city’s outskirts. The stampede-like situation emerged early Wednesday, coinciding with the ‘Amrit Snan’ on ‘Mauni Amavasya,’ drawing a large number of pilgrims for this sacred ritual, resulting in injuries to at least 30 women who are now being treated in the central hospital at the Mela area.
The Uttar Pradesh government had anticipated around 10 crore pilgrims for this day alone and had fortified security measures in preparation for the highly significant ‘Amrit Snan.’ The incident has led to the temporary postponement of events by various Akharas, given the immense spiritual importance of the Amrit Snan this year, coinciding with the rare ‘Triveni Yog’ celestial alignment, which occurs once every 144 years.