All VIP passes cancelled, entry of 4-wheelers banned

The proactive measures will remain in effect until February 4, a day after the next Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami.

- Pawan Dixit and Kenneth John

MAHAKUMBH NAGAR: The Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday announced major crowd control measures following the stampede on Mauni Amavasya in Mahakumbh, amid religious fervour among pilgrims continuing unabated. The entire Mahakumbh area has now been declared a no-vehicle zone until February 4, a day after the next Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami.

Additionally, the entry of all four-wheelers from outside the city has been banned in Prayagraj, and all VIP passes have been cancelled. The Mela administration has made it clear that no vehicle will be allowed entry into the Mela area through a VIP pass.

Following directives from the state government, Vijay Kiran Anand, in charge of the Mahakumbh, declared the entire Mahakumbh area a "no-vehicle zone." These new directives will be applicable to all vehicles, barring emergency vehicles and those required for civic work in Mahakumbh.