Lucknow/Prayagraj: Following the deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh on Mauni Amavasya, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued several directives on crowd control, traffic management, and inter-departmental coordination to prevent further incidents.

The chief minister has ordered the deployment of Ashish Goyal, former Divisional Commissioner of Prayagraj during Kumbh 2019, and Bhanu Goswami, ex-Vice Chairman of ADA, to reinforce safety measures, according to an official statement.

Additionally, five Special Secretary-level officers have been assigned to oversee operations until February 12. Superintendent of Police-level officers will also be deployed to enhance security and streamline crowd management.

Adityanath has directed the chief secretary and the director general of police to conduct a comprehensive review of the Maha Kumbh Mela arrangements on Thursday. "Every aspect related to security and public convenience must be carefully examined to ensure seamless arrangements for Basant Panchami," he said.

The incumbent ADG and District Magistrate of Prayagraj have been instructed to ensure the safe and smooth departure of all devotees.

30 killed, 60 injured in stampede
The stampede, which occurred in the Sangam area early Wednesday, claimed at least 30 lives and left 60 injured as millions of pilgrims rushed for a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the festival.

CM holds late-night meeting with officials
In response to the tragedy, Adityanath conducted a late-night video conference with senior police officers and officials from multiple districts, including Prayagraj, Kaushambi, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Mirzapur, Basti, Jaunpur, Chitrakoot, Banda, Ambedkarnagar, Pratapgarh, Sant Kabir Nagar, Bhadohi, Rae Bareli, and Gorakhpur.

The CM reviewed updates from the ADG and District Magistrate of Prayagraj and stressed the need for heightened vigilance in the mela area. He also sought updates from officials in Ayodhya, Varanasi, Mirzapur, and Chitrakoot regarding security and crowd control for incoming devotees.

Officials from districts bordering Prayagraj have been instructed to maintain continuous coordination with the Prayagraj administration to ensure effective crowd management and public safety.

Measures for managing departing devotees
The chief minister highlighted the need for a structured departure plan for devotees at railway stations in Prayagraj.

"ADG and the District Magistrate of Prayagraj must ensure the safe and smooth departure of every devotee. It is our responsibility to facilitate their journey. To achieve this, seamless coordination with the railways must be maintained to ensure continuous train operations," Adityanath said.

"Additionally, extra buses from the Transport Corporation should be deployed to accommodate the rush," he added.

Holding areas have been set up at border points to manage crowd pressure within the fairgrounds. Arrangements for food, drinking water, and uninterrupted electricity supply must be ensured at these locations.

Traffic control measures
Authorities in bordering districts have been ordered to strictly enforce directives issued from Prayagraj. Increased patrolling and smooth traffic flow must be ensured on key routes, including Ayodhya-Prayagraj, Kanpur-Prayagraj, Fatehpur-Prayagraj, Lucknow-Pratapgarh-Prayagraj, and Varanasi-Prayagraj.

"All return routes from Prayagraj should remain open and unobstructed at all times," Adityanath directed.

He emphasised that traffic congestion within the Maha Kumbh Mela area must be prevented. "Unnecessary halts should be avoided, and crowd build-up must be minimised. If street vendors are blocking pathways, they should be relocated to designated areas to ensure smooth movement," he said.

Preparations for Basant Panchami snan on February 3
With the next Amrit Snan scheduled for Basant Panchami on February 3, Adityanath noted that lakhs of devotees are also travelling to Varanasi and Ayodhya for darshan, while many are heading to Chitrakoot and Mirzapur.

Given the expected rise in footfall over the next two days, he stressed the importance of heightened vigilance. "Holding areas should be created to regulate crowd flow and movement should be managed according to the situation," he said.

Barricading, improved traffic management, and adequate parking arrangements should be ensured to prevent further incidents, the statement added.

With PTI inputs