Immediate Action Was Taken To Prevent Panic After The Stampede, Yogi Aditya Nath

Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Monday highlighted his government’s swift response to the tragic stampede that occurred on January 29 at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. He asserted that immediate measures were taken to control the situation, provide timely medical assistance to the victims, and prevent widespread panic among the vast gathering of devotees.

Addressing an audience comprising officials from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and the Indian Postal Service in Lucknow, the Chief Minister elaborated on the administrative approach undertaken during the crisis. “We ensured that the incident was not excessively publicized, as there were approximately eight crore devotees, including sadhus, present in Prayagraj and the surrounding Kumbh Mela area at the time. Any panic in such a large gathering could have escalated the situation further, making it more difficult to manage,” Adityanath explained.

The tragic stampede, which took place at the Sangam Ghat on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya, a significant bathing day of the Maha Kumbh, resulted in the unfortunate loss of at least 30 lives and left around 60 others injured. The massive influx of pilgrims on this special day posed a considerable challenge to the administration in terms of crowd management and safety measures.

Shedding light on the complexities involved in organizing such a grand religious gathering, the Chief Minister pointed out that two major challenges typically arise in an event of this magnitude. Firstly, determining the sequence of bathing among the various Akharas (monastic orders of Hindu saints) has historically been a point of contention. Secondly, ensuring that the sacred ritual begins at the scheduled time of 4 AM requires meticulous planning and coordination among multiple stakeholders.

Despite the unfortunate incident, all participating Akharas remained resolute in their commitment to proceeding with the ceremonial ‘snan’ (holy dip). However, the administration, recognizing the gravity of the situation, stepped in to defer the event temporarily. “I reached out to the Akharas and requested them to delay the ritual so that the situation could be managed effectively,” Adityanath stated. He further emphasized that officials closely monitored the movement of the crowd, successfully evacuated the affected areas near the Sangam by noon, and ensured that the ceremonial bathing resumed safely by 2:30 PM.

The Chief Minister took this opportunity to underscore the critical importance of effective crisis management during large-scale events. He remarked, “During difficult times, many individuals succumb to panic and indecision. However, it is imperative to cultivate the strength to make resolute decisions with patience and composure. Only then can we navigate such crises effectively.”

Furthermore, Adityanath stressed the necessity of seamless coordination among all stakeholders involved in the event. He acknowledged the role of not only government officials and law enforcement agencies but also the devotees and religious leaders in maintaining order during the Maha Kumbh. “I initiated dialogues with various groups to maintain harmony and ensure that the event progressed smoothly despite the unfortunate setback,” he added.

The Maha Kumbh, a grand religious congregation held once every twelve years, attracts millions of devotees, saints, and tourists from around the world. Given its immense scale, crowd management and logistical planning pose formidable challenges for the authorities responsible for its organization. According to official estimates provided by the Uttar Pradesh government, this year’s Maha Kumbh witnessed a record-breaking attendance of over 66 crore pilgrims.

The Chief Minister’s remarks emphasized not only the state’s ability to handle unforeseen challenges efficiently but also the importance of preparedness and adaptability in managing one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The administration’s quick response and proactive decision-making ensured that the impact of the tragedy was minimized, allowing the event to continue in a safe and orderly manner.