What major changes have been announced after Maha Kumbh stampede
What's the story
After a tragic stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government has announced a string of measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
The stampede, which took place on Mauni Amavasya when millions of pilgrims converged for a holy dip, killed 30 and injured 60.
Now, in the wake of this incident, five major changes have been introduced to avoid such mishaps.
Traffic changes
New traffic measures implemented post-stampede
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.
Crowd management
Experienced officers assigned for crowd control
To bolster crowd management efforts, IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Goswami have been ordered to head to Prayagraj immediately.
Both the bureaucrats were instrumental in the successful management of the 2019 Ardh Kumbh.
Further, five special secretary-rank officers, who have handled large-scale events in the past, have been deployed to assist with Maha Kumbh operations.
Official response
Chief Minister Adityanath issues guidelines, orders review
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has also released several guidelines emphasizing crowd control, traffic management, and inter-departmental coordination.
He ordered the Chief Secretary and Director General of Police (DGP) to review the Maha Kumbh arrangements.
The ADG and District Magistrate of Prayagraj have been instructed to ensure a safe and smooth departure of all devotees from the city.
Investigation and compensation
Judicial commission appointed, compensation announced
Further, a three-member judicial commission including Justice Harsh Kumar, former Director General VK Gupta and retired IAS officer VK Singh has been constituted to probe the reasons behind the stampede.
Apart from the judicial probe, CM Adityanath announced ₹25 lakh compensation for the families of those who died.
The tragedy occurred during Mauni Amavasya, one of the most auspicious days of the Kumbh Mela, as millions of pilgrims tried to reach the waters for a sacred dip.