Maha Kumbh stampede: PIL filed seeking action against UP government
What's the story
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Supreme Court after the stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.
The stampede, which happened during the holy dip on Mauni Amavasya on Wednesday, killed at least 30 and injured over 60.
Advocate Vishal Tiwari filed the PIL, blaming the Uttar Pradesh government for administrative lapses and seeking directives for better safety at large religious gatherings.
Safety proposals
PIL proposes safety measures, criticizes UP government
The PIL alleges "lapses, negligence, and utter failure of administration" by the Uttar Pradesh government.
It calls for all state governments to ensure devotee safety by establishing a dedicated 'devotee aid cell' at the Kumbh.
The petition also suggests setting up facilitation centers to provide essential information on safety measures and guidelines for pilgrims from different states.
Inquiry and criticism
Judicial inquiry ordered, Congress criticizes state government
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered a judicial inquiry into the incident.
Adityanath blamed overcrowding as a major reason for the stampede, saying around 8-10 crore devotees were in Prayagraj on Wednesday.
He promised he is keeping a close watch on the situation with senior officers and added Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been in touch over the situation.
His government has also announced ₹25 lakh financial assistance for each family of the deceased.
Changes
5 major changes announced
In the aftermath, five major changes have been introduced.
The entire Maha Kumbh fair area has now been declared a No-Vehicle Zone, with all types of vehicles strictly prohibited from entering. This includes the cancelation of VVIP passes that previously allowed vehicle entry.
A one-way traffic system has been enforced to streamline devotee movement and vehicles from neighboring districts are being stopped at district borders to reduce congestion.
Entry of four-wheelers into the city is completely banned till February 4.