Mahakumbh Nagar: Ahead of the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has instructed officials to ensure ‘zero-error’ arrangements. During a review meeting in Prayagraj on Saturday, he stated that the traditional Shobha Yatra of Akharas should be conducted with grandeur, and all necessary preparations must be completed on time.
During a meeting at the ICCC auditorium of the Mela Authority, the CM highlighted the importance of security stating, “Be it revered saints, Kalpvasis, devotees from across the country, or domestic and international tourists, the safety and convenience of everyone should be ensured.”
He also directed officials to finalize the route and schedule of the Shobha Yatra and ensure a well-planned movement of devotees. “Every aspect of the mega event must be meticulously organized, leaving no room for errors.”
The Chief Minister further directed officials to increase parking space and ensure that devotees coming for the Sangam Snan have to walk as little as possible. He also instructed that senior police officers (SP level) should be assigned to manage traffic at key locations.
He highlighted that the grandeur and arrangements of the Mahakumbh are being praised worldwide, and many people are eager to visit Prayagraj Sangam. “Everyone must contribute to maintaining this excitement and enthusiasm.”
The Chief Minister also instructed senior officials to personally visit sectors facing issues. He emphasized the importance of having strong leadership and urged teams to develop the habit of handling challenges, even in difficult situations.
The CM also advised that if needed, police personnel should be counseled, but their behavior with the public must remain courteous. Regarding security arrangements, he assured that there is no shortage of police force to maintain order.
He highlighted the excitement among people for the Mahakumbh 2025, as devotees from far-off villages and cities are arriving in large numbers. He stated that the state government has been preparing on a large scale for a long time, including the construction of 4–6 lane roads and parking facilities.
To avoid inconvenience for devotees, the CM instructed officials to increase parking space by acquiring nearby farmland if needed. He said that no one should have to walk excessively during major bathing festivals and directed authorities to ensure seamless traffic flow, preventing any congestion.
He ordered senior officials to be on duty at key locations with tent and food arrangements for them. Crowd movements should be properly managed to prevent cross-movement of pilgrims, and two officials should continuously monitor the situation from the control room while others oversee arrangements at borders, the city, and the Mela grounds.
The CM highlighted that February 2 and 3 will be critical and stated that no VIP protocol will be in place before, during, or after major bathing days. He also directed the Transport Department to ensure proper parking of buses to prevent unnecessary traffic congestion and ensure smooth movement of people. “The movement of people should not be obstructed,” he added.
He also directed officials to ensure that all arrangements for Basant Panchami are in place. With just one day left for the festival, he emphasized inter-departmental and inter-district coordination to make the event a success.
Highlighting the significance of Amrit Snan on February 3, the CM stated that it must be executed smoothly. He instructed officials to install sturdy barriers, place signage at elevated positions, and ensure proper lighting arrangements. Additionally, he stressed the use of satellite phones for better communication. The CM also directed the deployment of additional police forces at sensitive locations and called for a systematic operation of pontoon bridges to facilitate smooth movement of pilgrims.
CM Yogi expressed satisfaction with the railway arrangements, stating that they have been well-managed and have benefited passengers. He emphasized the need for better coordination for Basant Panchami preparations, ensuring smooth movement for pilgrims.
With a large influx of devotees expected from eastern Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, and Nepal on February 3, the CM directed officials to make necessary arrangements. He instructed that people should not be allowed to pass through the IERT flyover at Prayag Junction.
Barricades should be placed where necessary, ensuring that crowds are directed to open spaces rather than being stopped.
The CM ordered police verification of suspicious individuals in the Jhunsi area and stressed the removal of encroachments to prevent accidents. “Street vendors should not occupy roads and must be relocated to designated areas. Regular police patrolling, along with crane and ambulance services, must be ensured,” Yogi said.
He also laid special emphasis on cleanliness, stating that it is Uttar Pradesh’s identity. No waste should be visible along riverbanks, and authorities must promptly remove discarded clothes, flowers, and other items. Water sprinkling on roads will be conducted regularly to prevent dust, and toilets must remain clean and hygienic throughout the Mela area.
The Chief Minister further directed special attention to pressure points to ensure seamless crowd management during Mahakumbh. He ordered the deployment of experienced and capable officers in these critical areas. Additionally, a special team must always be stationed at pontoon bridges to prevent any accidents. Checkered plates should be inspected regularly and replaced when necessary.
To enhance pilgrim convenience, the CM instructed coordination between the Transport Corporation and Mela administration. He directed ADG Zone to take necessary measures to keep routes clear and crowd-free. Senior officials have been assigned the responsibility of controlling rumors and ensuring effective crowd management.
Furthermore, CM Yogi said that each team working in the Kumbh area must have clearly defined responsibilities, and backup staff should be arranged to ensure smooth operations.
