NEW DELHI, Jan 10: The Uttar Pradesh government is gearing up to strengthen its crowd management system for the Maha Kumbh, the five-week long gathering beginning from next week, in Prayagraj.
The step was after receiving directions from the Allahabad High Court to the Maha Kumbh administration to draw lessons from last year’s tragic stampede in Hathras that claimed 121 lives.
The high court gave this direction while asking the then district magistrate and Hathras superintendent of police to personally appear on January 15 to explain why they should not be held liable for the stampede, which took place on July 2, 2024, during a satsang organised by the followers of Surajpal alias Bhole Baba at Phulrai Mughal Garhi village in Hathras district.
This directive was issued while the court was hearing the bail plea of Manju Devi, one of the accused in the incident. The court observed, “Organisers often invite innocent people for their benefit, but due to a lack of proper arrangements, such tragic incidents occur. It is the administration’s responsibility to ensure that adequate police force, medical facilities, and other necessary arrangements are in place.”
The court further stated, “In the past, many such incidents have occurred where lakhs of people, especially the poor and illiterate, gather out of faith and belief. Due to the chaos that ensues, lives are lost untimely in stampedes.”
On July 2, 2024, a stampede occurred during the “satsang” organised by the followers of Surajpal alias Bhole Baba at Phulrai Mughal Garhi village of Hathras district, leaving 121 dead and several injured, the state counsel added.
During the proceedings, the counsel for the state government revealed that the event organisers of Bhole Baba event had sought permission for a gathering of 80,000 people. However, an unexpected crowd of 2.5 lakh turned up, overwhelming the arrangements and contributing to the catastrophe.
The Uttar Pradesh government, following the high court’s directives, is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh. In a significant move, the Maha Kumbh administration has introduced six colour-coded e-passes to regulate vehicle movement and enhance crowd management.
The passes, categorised by purpose, include white for high court officials, VIPs, foreign nationals, and government representatives; saffron for akharas and institutions; yellow for vendors, food courts, and milk booths; sky blue for media personnel; blue for the police force; and red for emergency and essential services. Parking facilities have been arranged across all mela sectors for a seamless experience. Besides, the officials said steps were being taken to further strengthen the crowd management system at every level.
Chief minister Yogi Adityanath has directed officials to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage for devotees arriving from across the country. The e-pass system, managed by UPDESCO, involves nodal officers from various departments for application verification. Applicants must provide personal details, ID proof, and vehicle documents. Approved passes will be issued at designated mela police offices.
With over 40 crore pilgrims expected to visit the Sangam for the holy dip, the Maha Kumbh will commence on January 13 with Paush Purnima and conclude on February 26, Maha Shivratri, marking a grand spiritual event.
(Manas Dasgupta)
