Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Wednesday, underscored the remarkable transformation of Prayagraj’s sacred sites, which were once encroached upon by land mafias under previous administrations. Speaking at ‘Manthan: Kumbh and Beyond, ’ an event organized by RSS-affiliated media outlets Panchjanya and Organiser in Lucknow, he asserted that these illegal occupations had significantly tarnished the sanctity of revered locations.
However, he noted that under his government, several spiritually significant sites, including Akshay Vat, Saraswati Koop, Patalpuri, Shringverpur, Dwadash Madhav, and Bhagwan Beni Madhav, were freed from illegal encroachments. This has enabled devotees to visit and worship at these sites throughout the year, particularly during the grand Maha Kumbh festival.
Revival of Sacred Sites and the Fight Against Land Encroachments
CM Adityanath lamented that Prayagraj, the land that once hosted the world’s first Gurukul, had fallen victim to rampant land-grabbing under previous regimes. He specifically pointed out that Akshay Vat, a site of immense religious significance, had been confined and nearly lost during the colonial era, depriving devotees of its darshan for nearly 500 years.
Similarly, he accused earlier governments of neglecting Mata Saraswati Koop and Patalpuri, allowing these revered sites to wither in obscurity. He also alleged that Shringverpur, the legendary location associated with the historic meeting of Lord Ram and Nishadraj, had been encroached upon under what he termed as “land jihad.” Other important sites, including Dwadash Madhav and Nag Vasuki, also suffered from illegal occupation, further diminishing their historical and religious significance.
The Evolution of the Kumbh Mela: From Mismanagement to Global Admiration
Adityanath strongly criticized the Congress and Samajwadi Party (SP) governments for turning previous Kumbh festivals into spectacles of mismanagement and squalor. He pointed out that under their rule, the 1954 Kumbh Mela witnessed over 1,000 deaths, while the 2007 stampede and the 2013 mismanagement led to major distress among pilgrims. He even recalled that during the 2013 Kumbh, the unsanitary conditions moved the then Prime Minister of Mauritius to tears.
In contrast, he emphasized that under his administration, the Swachh Maha Kumbh (Clean Maha Kumbh) was not just an organizational success but also a reflection of India’s cultural grandeur and spiritual inclusivity. He argued that the event reshaped Uttar Pradesh’s image, turning it from a state plagued by disorder to a model of efficient event management.
Technological Advancements in Maha Kumbh Management
Highlighting the technological advancements implemented in the latest Maha Kumbh, Adityanath stated the following:
- 54,000 lost individuals were successfully reunited with their families through a digital lost-and-found center.
- Over 1.5 lakh toilets were constructed and linked to QR codes for better accessibility and sanitation monitoring.
- A dedicated mobile application, available in 11 languages, provided essential services to pilgrims, enhancing their experience.
He remarked that these technological interventions were instrumental in ensuring smooth management, especially in a gathering of such an unprecedented scale.
Handling the Mauni Amavasya Incident with Swift Administration
CM Adityanath also addressed the tragic incident on Mauni Amavasya (January 29), when an overwhelming crowd of over 10 crore devotees resulted in at least 30 deaths. He stressed that the administration took immediate corrective measures by consulting Akharas and saints, leading to a temporary postponement of the sacred Amrit Snan (holy dip). The bathing ritual resumed in a disciplined manner at 2 PM, demonstrating the unwavering unity and cooperation of Sanatan Dharma’s followers.
He praised the saints for their understanding and underscored that ensuring the Maha Kumbh’s success was a collective responsibility shared by the administration and the religious community.
Restoration of Heritage and Uttar Pradesh’s Changing Image
CM Adityanath reiterated that during the Maha Kumbh, new corridors were developed to restore historically significant sites, symbolizing India’s gratitude toward its ancient traditions. He emphasized that the Triveni Sangam saw people from all backgrounds—castes, sects, and regions—taking a holy dip together, embodying the essence of ‘Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat’ (One India, Great India).
He proudly noted that the world watched in “awe and curiosity” as the Maha Kumbh reflected the vast and inclusive nature of Sanatan Dharma, which does not discriminate.
Sharp Criticism of Opposition
Launching a scathing attack on the opposition, Adityanath remarked, “Expecting positivity from those with a negative mindset is pointless.” He accused the previous governments of failing to preserve the rich cultural heritage of Uttar Pradesh and turning the Kumbh into a symbol of mismanagement.
With a firm stance, he declared that the Maha Kumbh under his leadership was not just an event of religious significance but a global spectacle that redefined Uttar Pradesh’s reputation on the world stage.
By reclaiming lost heritage, implementing modern governance strategies, and ensuring seamless event management, the state government has demonstrated its commitment to upholding India’s cultural and spiritual legacy.
