CM Yogi holds high-level meeting on Maha Kumbh situation

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Wednesday held a meeting with top state officials to discuss the situation following the stampede at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.

The CM has been closely monitoring the situation at the Maha Kumbh.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, the meeting included the Chief Secretary, DGP, Principal Secretary-Home, CM Office officials, and ADG Law and Order, who were present in the war room set up for Maha Kumbh 2025.

The CM has been receiving updates from officials and holding meetings since 4:00 a.m. with key officers, providing necessary directions for action.

Earlier, CM Yogi issued an appeal to the devotees attending the Maha Kumbh, urging them to follow the guidelines, cooperate with the administration, and avoid paying attention to rumors.

In his statement, CM Yogi encouraged devotees to bathe at the designated Ganga ghats closest to their location, rather than trying to reach the ‘Sangam Nose’ area.

“There are multiple ghats available for bathing. Please avoid overcrowding and follow the directions of the administration. Your cooperation is essential in maintaining order and safety,” he said.

He further requested devotees not to listen to rumors. In the appeal posted on social media platform X, the CM wrote: “Take bath at the ghat of Mother Ganga near which you are, do not try to go towards Sangam Nose. All of you should follow the instructions of the administration and cooperate in making arrangements. People are bathing peacefully at all the ghats of Sangam. Do not pay any attention to any rumors.”

Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi spoke to CM Yogi about the situation following the stampede-like incident in the Kumbh area.

The Prime Minister called for immediate support measures.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah also spoke with the Chief Minister, assuring him of full support from the Centre.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda spoke with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, offering full support, including volunteers and health services, to effectively manage the situation.

A crowd diversion plan was implemented at the Maha Kumbh, and the entry of devotees was halted. Groups of devotees were stopped on the outskirts of the city.

A stampede-like situation broke out at the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj in the early hours of Wednesday ahead of the ‘Amrit Snan’ on ‘Mauni Amavasya.’

According to officials, a large number of pilgrims turned up for a holy bath on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya, leading to the stampede-like situation and causing injuries to many.

At least 30 women are reportedly injured and are undergoing treatment at the central hospital established in the Mela area.

The Uttar Pradesh government had expected 10 crore pilgrims to attend the Maha Kumbh in just one day and had stepped up security in preparation for the ‘Amrit Snan.’

The incident occurred as millions of devotees gathered for the holy dip, prompting the Akharas to temporarily postpone the event.

The Amrit Snan on Mauni Amavasya holds immense spiritual significance, especially this year due to the rare ‘Triveni Yog’ celestial alignment, which occurs only once every 144 years.