Following the tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, which claimed 30 lives and left 60 others injured, the Uttar Pradesh government introduced five stringent safety measures, including a no-vehicle zone, to prevent further incidents.

The stampede occurred on Wednesday, during the rush of millions of pilgrims aiming to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, a crucial day of the Kumbh Mela.

Vaibhav Krishna, the Deputy Inspector General of Maha Kumbh, stated that the stampede was triggered by pilgrims pushing against barricades while trying to reach the Sangam (confluence).

In response, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held an emergency late-night meeting with senior officials from various districts to address the situation.

Key actions taken by the Chief Minister include:

• Ordering a judicial inquiry into the stampede to determine the causes and prevent future occurrences.
• Directing officials to ensure smooth traffic flow and prevent unnecessary halts and crowd congestion in the Maha Kumbh Mela area.
• The police have been instructed to increase patrols and ensure that critical routes, such as Ayodhya-Prayagraj, Kanpur-Prayagraj, Fatehpur-Prayagraj, Lucknow-Pratapgarh-Prayagraj, and Varanasi-Prayagraj, remain clear. Return routes from Prayagraj must remain open and unobstructed.
• The government has imposed a strict ban on the entry of four-wheelers into Prayagraj until February 4. Vehicles from surrounding districts will be stopped at the borders, and no special passes will be issued for entry.
• Street vendors operating along the roads will be relocated to vacant areas to avoid traffic disruptions.
• Pilgrims will be allowed to move according to the ground situation, and provisions for food and drinking water will be ensured at holding areas within the Mela.

Additionally, Adityanath confirmed that the Amrit Snan, a key ritual, will take place on Basant Panchami, on February 3. He instructed the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police to conduct a thorough assessment of Mela’s safety and arrangements on Thursday.