Prayagraj - Following a deadly stampede at the Maha Kumbh Mela on Wednesday, the Uttar Pradesh government has implemented strict new measures in Prayagraj to ensure the safety of devotees. The stampede, which occurred during the Mauni Amavasya bathing ritual, resulted in at least 30 deaths and 60 injuries.

The government attributes the stampede to devotees pushing against barricades to reach the Sangam nose. In response, all vehicle traffic has been banned within the Maha Kumbh fair area, and VVIP passes for vehicle entry have been cancelled. A one-way traffic system has been enforced, and vehicles from neighboring districts are being stopped at district borders. Furthermore, entry of four-wheelers into Prayagraj is completely banned until February 4th.

IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Goswami are deployed to Prayagraj to strengthen crowd management. Both bureaucrats were instrumental in successfully managing the 2019 Ardh Kumbh. Bhanu Goswami served as the District Magistrate and Vice Chairman of the Kumbh Mela Authority, while Ashish Goyal managed the Commissionerate of Allahabad. Five additional special secretary-rank officers with experience in managing large events have also been assigned to assist with operations.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who ordered a review of the Maha Kumbh arrangements by the Chief Secretary and the Director General of Police (DGP), has issued multiple guidelines emphasizing crowd control, traffic management, and inter-departmental coordination. He directed the ADG and District Magistrate of Prayagraj to ensure devotees depart the city safely and smoothly.

In a late-night video conference with senior police officers and officials, CM Yogi stressed the need for close coordination with rail authorities and the deployment of additional buses by the Transport Corporation to manage the flow of visitors. He emphasized the importance of preventing crowd build-up and traffic jams, and the relocation of street vendors from roads to avoid disruptions.

The state government announced the formation of a three-member judicial commission to investigate the stampede's causes. The commission includes former Director General V.K. Gupta and retired IAS officer V.K. Singh. The Chief Minister announced Rs 25 lakh in compensation for families of the deceased.