Key Highlights:
- Vehicle Restrictions Lifted: The Prayagraj administration removed the “diversion scheme” (traffic curbs) from January 31 to February 1 and 4 to facilitate smoother pilgrim exits post-Mauni Amavasya.
- Fake News Debunked: District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandad dismissed viral claims of a total vehicle ban till February 4, clarifying restrictions will only resume on February 2–3 for Basant Panchami.
- Judicial Probe Initiated: A three-member commission, led by ex-Judge Harsh Kumar, began investigating the January 29 stampede that killed 30 and injured 60 at Maha Kumbh.
- Focus on Prevention: The commission will submit findings in one month, suggesting measures to avoid future tragedies during mega-events.
- Maha Kumbh Footfall: Over 19 crore devotees have bathed in Sangam since January 13, with 7.64 crore on Mauni Amavasya alone.
Prayagraj: Days after a deadly stampede during Maha Kumbh’s Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual, the Prayagraj administration announced the removal of traffic restrictions (diversion scheme) to ease the return of millions of pilgrims. The move comes as a judicial commission begins probing the tragedy, which claimed 30 lives and injured 60 during the world’s largest religious gathering.
Traffic Curbs Lifted, Basant Panchami Preparations Underway
District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandad clarified that viral claims of a complete vehicle ban in Prayagraj until February 4 were false.
- Key Dates:
- Restrictions Lifted: January 31, February 1, and 4.
- Restrictions Resume: February 2–3 for Basant Panchami bathing.
- Reasoning: “The diversion scheme was enforced only for Mauni Amavasya. With pilgrims returning home, barricades are being removed. Traffic will flow normally except during Basant Panchami,” Mandad stated.
Judicial Commission Begins Stampede Probe
The Uttar Pradesh government’s judicial inquiry commission started its investigation on January 31, with members visiting the stampede site in Sangam Nose on February 1.
- Commission Members:
- Chairperson: Retired Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Harsh Kumar.
- Members: Retired IAS officer D.K. Singh and ex-IPS officer V.K. Gupta.
- Mandate:
- Determine the causes of the January 29 night stampede.
- Suggest preventive measures for future Kumbh Melas.
- Submit findings within one month.
The stampede occurred as lakhs of pilgrims rushed to Sangam for Mauni Amavasya, overwhelming barricades and causing fatal congestion.
Administration’s Efforts to Combat Misinformation
Mandad urged citizens to ignore fake news circulating on social media, emphasizing:
“There is no blanket ban on vehicles. Only Basant Panchami (February 2–3) will see temporary curbs. The administration is committed to transparent communication.”
Eyewitness Accounts and Ongoing Challenges
Survivors recounted chaotic scenes:
- Ramesh Patel, Pilgrim from Gujarat: “People were trapped in a human tsunami. No police in sight to control the crowd.”
- Shopkeeper Anjali Devi: “We lost ₹1.8 lakh in looting during the chaos. Six people died inside my shop.”
Despite the tragedy, Maha Kumbh rituals continued uninterrupted, with akhadas performing baths and helicopters showering flowers on devotees.
Political Reactions and Public Outrage
Opposition leaders and spiritual figures criticized the government’s handling:
- Shankaracharya Avimukteshwaranand: Accused CM Yogi Adityanath of hiding casualties and demanded his resignation.
- Akhilesh Yadav (SP): “The BJP prioritizes optics over pilgrim safety. How many more deaths will it take?”
Looking Ahead: Basant Panchami Preparations
With Basant Panchami on February 2–3, authorities are bolstering crowd control measures:
- AI Surveillance: Drones and CCTV to monitor real-time pilgrim movement.
- Enhanced Deployment: Additional RAF and police personnel at Sangam ghats.
- Public Awareness: SMS alerts to pilgrims about traffic diversions and safety protocols.
Balancing Faith and Safety
As the judicial commission investigates the stampede, the Prayagraj administration faces mounting pressure to restore public trust. With Basant Panchami approaching, the world’s largest pilgrimage continues to test India’s ability to harmonize spiritual fervor with modern crowd management.
Next Steps: Judicial report expected by March 1; interim safety measures to be implemented before Basant Panchami.
