Mahakumbh Prayagraj crowd spills over Varanasi and Ayodhya causing concern for administration
The unprecedented gathering of devotees at the Mahakumbh creates significant challenges for the authorities in both Ayodhya and Kashi. The massive turnout overwhelms local resources, leaving officials working tirelessly to effectively manage the situation. Over the past few days, Ayodhya has become a focal point for an extraordinary influx of pilgrims, with over 25 lakh devotees visiting the holy city since Republic Day. The district administration is on high alert, and the state government is closely monitoring the situation to ensure smooth arrangements.
According to state government sources, Ayodhya has witnessed more than 25 lakh visitors in the last 30 hours alone, with the numbers increasing. Devotees are flocking to iconic religious sites such as the Ram Mandir and Hanumangarhi in large numbers. Officials anticipate that this influx will persist as the festivals of Mauni Amavasya and Basant Panchami draw nearer, promising an even greater surge in pilgrims.
To address the challenges posed by this overwhelming crowd, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued directives to ensure proper management of the devotees in Ayodhya and Kashi. In Ayodhya, approximately 7,000 to 8,000 police personnel have been deployed to manage the crowds effectively. Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Raj Karan Nayyar revealed that a separate arrangement has been made by the traffic police specifically for Mauni Amavasya. Women police officers have also been stationed to enhance security measures, while plainclothes officers actively monitor the crowds for any suspicious activities. Traffic personnel are diligently managing vehicle movement to maintain order on the city’s roads.
Additionally, senior officials, including the Additional Director General (ADG) of Lucknow Zone, SB Shiradkar, have been stationed in Ayodhya to oversee the situation. Divisional Commissioner Gaurav Dayal, Inspector General Praveen Kumar, and District Magistrate Chandra Vijay Singh are personally inspecting fairgrounds and conducting regular meetings at the Ram Mandir to refine crowd management strategies. Their proactive measures aim to ensure the safety and comfort of the devotees during their visit.
Despite these efforts, the sheer volume of visitors has pushed Ayodhya’s infrastructure to its limits. Rampath, the recently widened main arterial road in the temple town, is filled, as are other key routes such as Janmabhoomi Path, Bhakti Path, and Dharmapath, which lead to Hanumangarhi. Every street and lane in Ayodhya is bustling with pilgrims, reflecting the spiritual fervor of the devotees.
To accommodate the swelling crowds, the Trust managing the Ram Mandir has made adjustments to the flow of visitors. Initially, Angad Tila was designated as the exit route, but with the increasing numbers, Gate No. 3 has also been opened to facilitate the movement of devotees. At Hanumangarhi, where a 1.5-kilometer-long queue has formed, a new lane has been created to ease the congestion. Authorities have also implemented vehicle restrictions, diverting larger vehicles and limiting entry into Ayodhya to control traffic flow.
Efforts are being made to ensure the comfort of the devotees during their stay. Temporary accommodations have been arranged for 20,000 pilgrims in shelters, providing them with a place to rest. Municipal Commissioner Santosh Sharma stated that the city has been decorated with illuminated chowks and churches to warmly welcome visitors. The arrangements include enhanced sanitation, crowd management measures, and additional police forces to ensure safety.
As the Mahakumbh continues to draw record-breaking crowds, the authorities remain vigilant, working around the clock to manage the overwhelming turnout of devotees. With meticulous planning and the dedication of personnel on the ground, officials are striving to ensure a seamless experience for all those seeking blessings at the sacred sites of Ayodhya and Kashi.
