Emergency preparedness in place for Mahakumbh, NDRF and SDRF teams to run campaigns along with health workers

The Uttar Pradesh government has ramped up preparations to ensure a secure and successful Mahakumbh 2025, mobilizing National and State Disaster Response Forces (NDRF and SDRF) alongside healthcare teams for comprehensive emergency preparedness. Recognizing the event’s scale and significance, specialized teams are also receiving training to respond to chemical, biological, radiological, and nuclear threats, aiming to safeguard the millions of devotees anticipated to attend.

Hospitals in Prayagraj are being upgraded to meet the medical needs of both Indian and international pilgrims. “We are undertaking extensive emergency preparations as per the Chief Minister’s guidelines,” said VK Mishra, Joint Director of Medical Health, Prayagraj. “TB Sapru and Swaroop Rani Hospitals are being readied, and healthcare staff are receiving specialized training in partnership with NDRF and SDRF to manage any crisis effectively.”

The healthcare team will consist of 291 MBBS doctors and specialists, complemented by 90 Ayurvedic and Unani practitioners and 182 nurses, ensuring swift and expert medical support throughout Mahakumbh.

Adding an environmental focus to the preparations, the Uttar Pradesh government has initiated a massive green drive, planning to plant 2.71 lakh saplings across the state. In an effort to boost Prayagraj’s green cover, 1.49 lakh saplings will be planted across 20 hectares in Saraswati Hitech City, with a budget allocation of Rs 29 crore, Divisional Forest Officer Arvind Kumar said.

Efforts to restore Prayagraj’s historic temples have also been prioritized, with renovations nearing completion. In a recent Mahakumbh review meeting, Chief Minister Adityanath and Union Minister for Tourism and Culture Gajendra Singh Shekhawat underscored the importance of timely project delivery. Key departments, including the Tourism Department, Smart City, and Prayagraj Development Authority, are working together to complete the projects promptly.

“Preparations are in full swing,” said Vivek Chaturvedi, Additional Mela Officer for Mahakumbh. “The temple corridor and other renovations are in their final stages, ensuring that both the faith and comfort of devotees are prioritized for a meaningful experience.”

The Mahakumbh 2025 is expected to attract millions, who will gather to bathe at the Sangam, the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers, and visit Prayagraj’s revered temples as a testament to the Sanatan faith.