Multiple Casualties Reported in Maha Kumbh Stampede During Mauni Amavasya Celebrations

Stampede like situation unfolded at Maha Kumbh Mela on the auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya when barriers collapsed under the pressure of pilgrims gatherings for the sacred holy dip at the Sangam. Multiple devotees have sustained injuries and at least 30 women are undergoing treatment at the central hospital in the mela area as stated by the Special Officer on Duty Akansha Rana. Rescue operations are still underway and multiple emrgency response teams are working to manage the situation and provide immediate medical attention to the devotees.

Central Government Urged to Provide Support

PM Narendra Modi has reviewed the situation by directly communicating with Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and called for immediate implementation of support measures.

Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda also pledged to provide complete support to Uttar Pradesh government from Haelth ministry. Home Minister Amit Shah also assured full support for managing the emergency situation at Prayagraj. Uttar Pradesh government initially anticipated and prepared for approximately 10 crore pilgrims on this single day of auspicious day of Mauni Amavasya Snan. 

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister, Yogi Adityanath has appealed to devotees urging them to utilise ghats near to their location and specifically avoid Triveni Sangam area to prevent further stampede like situation. The Akharas have officially postponed their traditional Amrit Snan ceremony in response to the crisis. The regular devotees continued to take holy dips at other available ghats in the Mela. Authorities on the other hand, have implemented crowd diversion plan, which stops the entry of new devotees at various points on the city's outskirts.

Location of the stampede

The stampede situation occurred around 1 km from the sacred Sangam of Ganga Yamuna and mythical Saraswati River which is the auspicious location during Mauni Amavasya. The rescue operations are continued at intensive pace and the officials are still working to determine the exact number of casualties and injured individuals. Multiple government agencies have been working together to provide relief and manage the situation effectively. 

Uttar Pradesh government has significantly increased the security measures in preparation for the Amrit’s Snan. The already established medical infrastructure which includes the central Hospital in the Mela area, have been crucial in providing immediate care to the affected individuals. Additional medical teams and resources have been called out from surrounding areas to support the emergency response effort.