North News

New Delhi, January 30

The Uttar Pradesh government has banned four-wheelers entry into the Maha Kumbh area in Prayagraj and cancelled VVIP passes following a stampede that left at least 30 people dead and 60 injured. The incident occurred in the early hours of Wednesday when thousands of pilgrims surged past barricades to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry into the stampede incident.

In response to the tragedy, Yogi Adityanath announced that the vehicle entry ban would remain in place until February 4, with vehicles from neighboring districts being stopped at the borders. The cancellation of VVIP passes is part of efforts to ensure equal access for all and avoid further congestion. Adityanath also instructed officials to prevent traffic bottlenecks in the Mela area and to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims. Additionally, street vendors have been relocated to designated areas to keep roads clear. The government had directed the Police have been ordered to step up patrolling, particularly on key routes including Ayodhya-Prayagraj, Kanpur-Prayagraj, and Varanasi-Prayagraj. Special holding areas with food and drinking water have been set up for pilgrims waiting to proceed.

Given the expected surge in devotees travelling to Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, and Mirzapur for religious offerings, additional security measures are being put in place in these cities. Authorities have also been instructed to manage the large crowds at Prayagraj railway stations, ensuring the safe departure of pilgrims. More special trains and buses will be deployed to ease the rush.

The next major religious event, the Amrit Snan (royal bath), is scheduled for 3 February on the occasion of Basant Panchami. The Chief Minister has asked senior officials to review the security and crowd management arrangements ahead of the event.