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A tragic stampede at Maha Kumbh has claimed at least 30 lives and left more than 60 people injured. In response, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has announced strict measures to improve crowd control and traffic management at the event. These steps aim to prevent further accidents and ensure the safety of thousands of devotees attending the religious gathering in Prayagraj.
Vehicle Ban in Prayagraj Until February 4
One of the key measures introduced is a complete ban on four-wheel vehicles in Prayagraj until February 4. This step is expected to reduce congestion and make it easier for authorities to manage the large crowds. CM Yogi Adityanath held a late-night video conference with officials, instructing them to remain alert as more devotees are expected to arrive from cities like Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Mirzapur in the coming days.
Stricter Crowd Management and Traffic Control
To control the crowd effectively, special holding areas have been set up at border points to regulate the flow of people. Officers have been directed to monitor these areas closely and adjust crowd movement as needed. Additional barricades have been installed to guide devotees safely through the Mela area.
To further improve traffic management, several important rules have been introduced:
- No vehicles will be allowed inside the Mela area.
- VVIP passes have been revoked, meaning no special vehicle entries will be permitted.
- One-way traffic system has been enforced to ease movement.
- Vehicles from nearby districts are being stopped at the district borders to avoid overcrowding in Prayagraj.
Opposition Blames 'VIP Culture'
The incident has led to strong criticism from the Opposition, with the Congress party accusing the government of poor management. Rahul Gandhi blamed the tragedy on the 'VIP culture' at the event, suggesting that authorities prioritized the movement of high-profile guests over public safety. He urged the government to make better arrangements to prevent such incidents in the future.
Reports have highlighted the presence of prominent figures such as Union Home Minister Amit Shah, CM Yogi Adityanath, and international celebrities like Coldplay's Chris Martin and Dakota Johnson at the Kumbh Mela. Congress claims their attendance further proves the government's focus on VIPs rather than public welfare.
Appeal for Public Cooperation
In light of the tragic incident, authorities have appealed to devotees to follow safety guidelines and cooperate with officials. The new measures taken by CM Yogi Adityanath are aimed at ensuring a safer and more organized Maha Kumbh, preventing any further loss of life.
