PM Modi continues to monitor Maha Kumbh situation, CM Yogi holds high-level meeting

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is closely monitoring the situation at the Maha Kumbh following a stampede-like incident on Wednesday. He has been in constant contact with the Uttar Pradesh government and has spoken with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath three times, offering directions to restore normalcy and assist with relief efforts.

Meanwhile, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened a high-level meeting with senior state officials to assess the situation and implement necessary measures for maintaining order and safety.

According to the Chief Minister’s Office, key officials, including the Chief Secretary, Director General of Police (DGP), Principal Secretary (Home), officials from the CM’s Office, and the Additional Director General (Law and Order), were present in the war room set up for Maha Kumbh 2025.

The CM has been receiving continuous updates from officials and has been holding meetings since 4:00 a.m. to ensure swift action and coordination.

Earlier, CM Yogi issued an appeal to devotees attending the Maha Kumbh, urging them to follow guidelines, cooperate with the administration, and avoid falling prey to rumours. He advised pilgrims to bathe at the designated Ganga ghats nearest to them instead of attempting to reach the overcrowded Sangam Nose area.

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

Urging devotees not to fall for misinformation, CM took to X, saying, “Bathe at the nearest Ganga ghat instead of heading towards Sangam Nose. Please follow the administration’s instructions and cooperate in ensuring smooth arrangements. People are bathing peacefully at all ghats of the Sangam. Do not believe in any rumors.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier spoke with CM Yogi regarding the situation and called for immediate relief measures. Union Home Minister Amit Shah also assured full support from the Centre.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda held discussions with the chief minister and pledged complete assistance, including volunteers and healthcare services, to manage the situation effectively.

To control the crowds, a diversion plan was implemented at the Maha Kumbh, temporarily halting the entry of devotees. Pilgrims were stopped on the outskirts of the city to prevent further congestion.

Officials said that an unexpectedly large number of devotees arrived for the holy bath on Mauni Amavasya, resulting in a stampede-like situation that left many injured.

The Uttar Pradesh government had anticipated a turnout of 10 crore pilgrims in a single day and had significantly strengthened security arrangements for the Amrit Snan.

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

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