UP brings new measures after deaths rock Kumbh

Tightening crowd control

- Pawan Dixit & Kenneth John [e-mail]

A day after at least 30 people were killed in a predawn stampede at the Maha Kumbh, the Uttar Pradesh government on Thursday enforced stricter measures for better crowd management and safety of devotees as it restricted vehicular movement, cancelled VIP passes, increased security deployment, and ended needless restrictions on pontoon bridges that connect the mela city.

Officials familiar with the matter said that the Maha Kumbh area will be a "no-vehicle zone" till February 4, a day after the conclusion of the next "Amrit Snan" on Basant Panchami, during which millions of people are expected to congregate at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna. Before the directive, vehicles with valid passes were allowed to travel till different camps set up at Maha Kumbh site.

"Vehicle passes will not be valid until all devotees have safely left for their destinations," Superintendent of Police (Traffic) Anshuman Mishra said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit the Kumbh on February 5.

The authorities clarified that there will be no restrictions on the movement of police and administration vehicles, ambulances, and other essential service providers.

The administration also revoked VIP passes to streamline people's entry. Earlier, those having VIP passes were allowed access till tents of Akhadas and sadhus in various sectors.

"As a result, VIPs and VVIP delegations planning to visit Prayagraj ...will not receive special privileges or protocols.

Additionally, the government has made it clear that any VIP or VVIP movement must be informed at least a week in advance. This rule will help prevent last-minute VIP visits that could disrupt arrangements for pilgrims," an official statement said.