No VIP movements on special bathing dates
Mahakumbh Nagar, Jan 30: Millions of devotees flocked to the Triveni Sangam and other ghats at the Maha Kumbh to take a dip on Thursday with the Uttar Pradesh government ramping up efforts to ensure crowd management and safety of people a day after the stampede tragedy.
More than 2.06 crore devotees took the holy bath till 8 pm, according to the state government.
The crowd pressure was relatively lower Thursday and all bridges were reopened, allowing smoother movement within the mela area, officials said.
With the focus on crowd management after the stampede left at least 30 people dead and 60 injured, the state government said no VIP protocols will be enforced by the administration on the special bathing days of February 3, 12 and 26.
More than 29.64 crore devotees have taken the snan till Thursday.
As devotees braved the pre-dawn chill and reduced visibility to proceed towards the ghats for the ritual bath, many others spent sleepless nights waiting for news of their missing loved ones.
According to a circular, the government said it had announced the decision on VIP movement before the start of the Kumbh Mela, and now strict implementation of this directive has been initiated.
“This initiative aims to ensure a smooth and memorable experience for general pilgrims, allowing them to participate in the sacred baths without disruptions caused by VIP movements, route diversions, or security restrictions,” it said.
Additionally, the government has mandated that VIP and VVIP movements must be notified at least one week in advance.
Judicial commission to probe stampede
Meanwhile, the three-member judicial commission set up by the Uttar Pradesh government to probe the stampede will visit the site on Friday.
Panel head Harsh Kumar, a retired judge of the Allahabad High Court, said the commission has a month to wrap up its investigation but will try to expedite it.
15 tents gutted
At least 15 tents were gutted on Thursday after they caught fire near Chamanganj Chowki outside Sector 22 in the Maha Kumbh Mela area with officials saying there was no loss of life.
Chief Fire Officer (Kumbh) Pramod Sharma said information about a fire was received this afternoon and the fire was extinguished immediately. (PTI)