Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed the aftermath of a January 29 stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, where 30 people died and 60 were injured. He emphasized his government’s quick response to ensure medical aid and prevent panic among the eight crore attendees. Adityanath noted challenges in crowd management and the importance of effective crisis handling. He highlighted improvements in sanitation and infrastructure since previous Kumbh, which drew over 66 crore pilgrims, showcasing its economic significance and role in national unity. The CM also mentioned upcoming plans for Maha Kumbh 2025, aiming for even better organization.
Lucknow:
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized on Monday that his administration reacted promptly to manage the aftermath of the January 29 stampede during the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, providing immediate medical assistance to victims while avoiding mass hysteria.
While speaking to a gathering of officials from the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) and the Indian Postal Service in Lucknow, Yogi Adityanath remarked, “We ensured that the incident did not receive excessive media coverage, as there were eight crore devotees and sadhus in Prayagraj and the Kumbh Mela area at that time; heightened panic could have exacerbated the situation.” The stampede at Sangam ghat on Mauni Amavasya, a significant bathing day of the Maha Kumbh, resulted in the deaths of at least 30 people and left 60 others injured.
Yogi Adityanath pointed out that alongside millions of attendees, seers and sadhus from 13 Akhadas were also set to partake in the ceremonial ‘Amrit Snan’ (holy dip) that morning.
He explained that such events often pose two main challenges: establishing the bathing order among the Akharas, a source of historical disputes, and ensuring the rituals occur as scheduled at 4 AM.
In spite of the tragedy, all Akhadas were ready to proceed with the ‘snan’, but the administration stepped in to delay the event.
“I personally urged them to postpone the ritual in order to manage the situation,” Yogi Adityanath stated, adding that officials carefully monitored the crowd, evacuated the Sangam area by noon, and allowed the ‘snan’ to resume by 2:30 PM.
The chief minister highlighted the necessity of efficient crisis management, asserting, “In times of difficulty, many people panic and surrender, but we must cultivate the strength to make resolute decisions with patience and control.” He also stressed the importance of coordination among all stakeholders, including devotees, sadhus, and administrative officials.
“I took the initiative to facilitate discussions to uphold order and ensure the event ran smoothly,” he conveyed.
“In the face of adversity, many tend to give in, believing things will simply play out. However, authentic leadership is demonstrated by confronting challenges calmly, just as we did during the Maha Kumbh to guarantee its successful execution,” he remarked.
The Maha Kumbh, occurring every 12 years, draws millions of pilgrims globally, making crowd management a vital concern for authorities. This year, over 66 crore devotees participated in the religious event, according to the Uttar Pradesh government, which is heralding it as a significant achievement.
Yogi Adityanath reiterated the value of patience and tenacity in handling tough situations, citing the successful conduct of the Maha Kumbh as a case in point.
Addressing the program on “Nation-Building through the Successful Organization of Mahakumbh,” attended by IIM and Indian Postal Service officials, he accentuated how proficient crisis management led to a well-ordered event.
The Chief Minister remarked that Mahakumbh imparts lessons in patience and adherence to natural principles.
Citing previous reports from international press and UNESCO, the chief minister noted that past Maha Kumbh events were frequently linked with chaos, mismanagement, and unhygienic conditions.
“In 2019, we aimed to reshape that perception. When we venture beyond conventional paths and innovate, it becomes unforgettable,” he expressed.
Recollecting an incident from the 2013 Kumbh, Yogi Adityanath shared, “As a Yogi, I was present at my camp in Prayagraj when I came across news articles stating that the Prime Minister of Mauritius had visited but declined to immerse himself in the Ganga due to pollution. He opted to offer his prayers from afar instead.”
“This episode stuck with me. A foreign dignitary participated in our sacred occasion and left disheartened. It indicated a shortcoming in our preparations, which necessitated correction.” Highlighting the 2019 Kumbh’s focus on sanitation, the chief minister noted that the event grounds, previously situated on sandy riverbanks, had inadequate toilet facilities.
“The sanitation conditions were temporary and resulted in unbearable odors, flies, mosquitoes, and risks of disease outbreaks. We rectified this by implementing one lakh well-maintained toilets with regular cleaning, ensuring no sewage contaminated the Ganga or Yamuna,” he outlined.
The chief minister acknowledged the police for their efforts in maintaining security and efficiently managing crowds. “For any large event, crowd supervision is crucial. Attendees must feel a sense of safety. In 2019, we established special four-month training programs for police personnel to bolster their readiness,” he mentioned.
Discussing plans for the 2025 Maha Kumbh, the Chief Minister recognized that the turnout exceeded anticipations.
“We projected that attendance would double compared to 2019, but the actual figures surpassed all expectations. This necessitated substantial adjustments in event planning,” he stated.
Preparations for 2025 included enhancing the fairgrounds, expanding infrastructure, and designating parking and holding areas in nearby districts such as Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Kaushambi, Jaunpur, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Chitrakoot, and Rae Bareli.
“In 2013, a stampede at the railway station took 42 lives. From that experience, we augmented not only the main Prayagraj Junction but also nine additional railway stations and the airport,” he commented.
Yogi Adityanath maintained that religious gatherings are inherently organized.
“During the 2025 Mahakumbh, a minor stampede occurred between 1:15 AM and 1:30 AM on January 28-29, when over four crore individuals were at the site. Yet, within 15 minutes, people voluntarily established a green corridor enabling medical teams to reach the injured,” he observed.
The Chief Minister also emphasized the economic advantages of large-scale religious events. “Maha Kumbh significantly contributes to the economy, generating employment and supporting various businesses. Its economic implications, long underestimated, are now being acknowledged,” he added.
Maha Kumbh 2025 was celebrated from January 13 (Paush Purnima) to February 26 (Maha Shivaratri), marking the inaugural instance in which the fair extended through Maha Shivaratri.
“Previously, the event would conclude after Basant Panchami, leaving only Kalpvasis. This time, daily attendance after Mauni Amavasya varied from 1.5 to 1.75 crore attendees. On Basant Panchami, attendance reached about three crore, while on Magh Purnima, the figure stood at two crore,” he detailed.
Highlighting international participation, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath remarked, “The event welcomed visits from the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, governors, chief ministers, 74 ambassadors and high commissioners, the King of Bhutan, 12 foreign ministers, and representatives from over 100 countries. Business leaders, film stars, and cricketers also took part.” He noted UNESCO’s interest in investigating the environmental impact of Mahakumbh. “We ensured that no sewage or industrial waste flowed into the Ganga.” “In Kanpur, four crore liters of sewage used to contaminate the river daily. We sealed it off three years ago. Now, not a single drop flows into the Ganga,” he affirmed.
Yogi Adityanath underscored the role of Maha Kumbh in fostering national unity, infrastructure growth, and environmental protection, aligning with PM Narendra Modi’s vision of “Ek Bharat, Shreshtha Bharat.” He highlighted that the event transcended caste, religion, and language differences, uniting millions in devotion.
The Uttar Pradesh government allocated Rs 7,500 crore for this purpose, with Rs 6,000 crore designated for infrastructure development in Prayagraj and its surroundings. “This investment ensured enhanced connectivity, sanitation, and essential amenities for pilgrims,” Yogi Adityanath noted.
Cultural and religious sites were also enhanced, including 12 corridors linked to Akshayavat, Saraswati Koop, and Maharishi Bharadwaj. “These locations now echo our heritage and spiritual legacy,” Yogi Adityanath remarked.
He concluded, “Maha Kumbh imparts lessons in patience and discipline. Whether for faith or economic progression, such events leave an enduring impression and contribute to national development.”
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)