PRAYAGRAJ: Authorities intensified security and crowd management efforts to prevent overcrowding at the ghats, as an estimated 4 to 5 crore devotees are expected to participate in Basant Panchami sacred bathing ritual this Sunday – the third Amrit Snan of the 45-day Maha Kumbh.
More than 7 crore pilgrims had thronged Prayagraj for Mauni Amavasya Amrit Snan on Jan 29, which turned tragic as 30 people lost their lives and many were injured in a stampede.
Police introduced Saturday fresh measures to regulate the movement of pilgrims, devising a strict route plan. Devotees will enter mela area through Kali Sadak and exit via Triveni Marg. Security personnel will be on maximum alert at both entry and exit points. Given the high influx of pilgrims, paramilitary personnel have been stationed at strategic points to assist in crowd control. Authorities have implemented a one-way system within the mela premises and reinforced barricades to prevent congestion after the stampede.
Emphasis is being placed to ensure that devotees take their dip at all 44 ghats, preventing congestion at Sangam Nose. “We are appealing to devotees to leave the ghats after taking the holy dip,” said SSP Rajesh Dwivedi. The Basant Panchami tithi will begin at 9.14am Sunday and continue until 6.52pm Monday.
