Prioritise safety, convenience of devotees at Maha Kumbh: Yogi Adityanath to officials

PRAYAGRAJ: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday said safety and convenience of visitors at Maha Kumbh is his government's foremost priority and the administration must ensure the well-being of all without any discrimination.
"There is a need for further strengthening disaster management, cyber security, fire safety, ghat security, and emergency medical services during Maha Kumbh. All security agencies must remain vigilant and active 24×7," said CM Yogi, who was in Prayagraj to oversee the arrangements for Maha Kumbh starting Jan 13.
Read more: Maha Kumbh Mela 2025
Addressing a press conference after the review meeting for Maha Kumbh preparations in Prayagraj on Tuesday, the CM once again appealed to the people of Prayagraj to uphold the highest standards of cleanliness and hospitality during the grand event.
"With everyone's cooperation, the honour of hosting the Maha Kumbh with full grandeur will not only reflect the efforts of the double-engine government but also the pride of the people of Prayagraj. I appeal to the residents of Prayagraj to seize this opportunity to surpass the remarkable example of cleanliness and hospitality they set during the 2019 Kumbh. This time too, our Prayagraj will shine as a model of cleanliness and exemplary hospitality," he said.
No protocol restrictions on main bathing days, says Yogi
Underscoring the importance of enhanced intelligence measures, Yogi directed the deployment of anti-drone systems and called for raising public awareness about cyber threats.
CM Yogi emphasized that there will be no protocol restrictions on the day of the main bath, ensuring an inclusive atmosphere. He also shared plans to arrange floral showers to honour revered saints and welcome devotees on this auspicious occasion.
He also expressed concern over reports of fraudulent activities by groups or individuals collecting money in the name of Maha Kumbh and instructed police to take strict action against such people.
The CM assessed the progress of work from all departments in detail. He instructed the authorities to expedite the police verification of all street vendors, auto-rickshaw, and e-rickshaw drivers. Additionally, he emphasised the need for systematic traffic management on all inter-district routes leading to Prayagraj.
Yogi also spoke on the importance of curbing fake news on social media.
"Individuals opposed to Indian culture and tradition are spreading misinformation about the Maha Kumbh. They need to be dealt with strongly," he said.
Maha Kumbh Mela DM Vijay Kiran Anand informed the CM that land allotment for akharas, mahamandaleshwars, Khalsa, Dandibara, Khakchowk, and other institutions has been completed while the process for allotment to Prayagwal and other new institutions is on. Necessary resources are being provided to meet their requirements.
Expressing satisfaction, Yogi emphasised the importance of respecting the sentiments of akharas, saints and sadhus.
He directed the construction of a new bathing ghat in the Arail area within three days. He also announced that approximately 550 shuttle buses would operate during the Maha Kumbh starting Jan 5, ensuring no driver or conductor works continuously for more than eight hours. Additional provisions were instructed for the convenience of divyangjans (disabled), the elderly, and women.
The CM was informed that preparations for the Maha Kumbh are progressing swiftly, with the entire police force and sanitation workers expected to be deployed in Prayagraj by Jan 3. Additionally, all doctors and paramedical staff were already assigned.
He was informed about key infrastructure updates like the completion of 28 pontoon bridges, 520 km of roads, 610 signages, 494.3 km of DIP line for drinking water, 304 km of GIP line, 4,270 drinking water stand posts, over 176 km of drainage clearance, 54,700 streetlights, 173 km of HT line, 1,280 km of LT line, and 206 electricity substations.
For healthcare preparedness, 3,305 beds have been reserved in Swarooprani Nehru Hospital, Sapru (Beli) Hospital, Motilal Nehru Hospital, Dufferin Hospital, and private hospitals. A 1,200 sqm jetty has been constructed, all riverfront roads are ready, and 3,339 poles for thematic lighting, seven facade points, and more than 90,000 toilets have been installed, officials added.
The CM instructed officials to complete all remaining work within the deadline. To achieve the vision of a ‘Swacch Maha Kumbh-Swachh Prayagraj', he urged cooperation from the residents of Prayagraj, saints, and citizens. He also directed officials to launch a campaign to ensure the city is entirely encroachment-free before the Maha Kumbh.