Ensuring a Safe and Divine Experience

Introduction

Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj promises to be the world’s largest cultural and spiritual gathering, with over 450 million devotees expected to attend. The Uttar Pradesh government has left no stone unturned to ensure the event is safe, secure, and memorable. Security measures have been strengthened at temples and key sites in Maha Kumbh Nagar to ensure safety of devotees. The intelligence systems have been activated across the Maha Kumbh Mela area, Prayagraj, and neighboring districts. Multiple checkpoints have been set up to screen every individual entering the district. Intelligence squads have also been deployed to monitor suspicious activities and maintain vigilance throughout the region. Committed to making the Kumbh Mela the largest spiritual event in Sanatan Dharma, the Uttar Pradesh government has prepared a comprehensive plan to handle any emergency, stated a press release.

Fire Safety: Advanced Measures for a Fire-Accident-Free Maha Kumbh

As preparations for Maha Kumbh 2025 intensify, the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department has deployed four articulating water towers (AWT) equipped with advanced features in the fair area to prevent and tackle fire incidents. AWT is a modern firefighting vehicle specifically designed to tackle fires in multi-stored structures and large tents. These towers have been deployed in view of the large tent city and extensive tent setups.

The AWTs are equipped with advanced video and thermal imaging cameras.

These towers can operate at heights up to 35 meters and horizontal distances of 30 meters.

The AWTs will also play a crucial role in safeguarding the lives of firefighters, acting as a protective shield during high-risk incidents.

A total of ₹131.48 crore has been allocated for fire safety, enabling the deployment of 351 firefighting vehicles, 50+ fire stations, more than 2,000 trained personnel, 20 fire posts and fire equipment being fitted in every tent.

Hi-Tech Security Infrastructure

The Uttar Pradesh Government has prioritized making this year’s Maha Kumbh a “Digital Maha Kumbh.” It includes using high-tech security measures like:

AI and Drone Surveillance: To monitor the vast Maha Kumbh area, AI-powered cameras, drones, anti-drones, and tethered drones are in operation.

Underwater Drones: For the first time ever, underwater drones will provide 24/7 surveillance beneath the rivers, ensuring safety during sacred Sangam Snan. Notably, these drones are equipped with advanced technology that allows them to function effectively in low-light conditions, ensuring precise tracking of targets. These state-of-the-art underwater drones operate up to 100 meters deep and transmit real-time reports to the Integrated Command and Control Center. These can be operated over an unlimited distance and provides precise information about any suspicious underwater activity or incident, enabling immediate action to be taken.                   

Cybersecurity: Safeguarding the Digital Maha Kumbh

Furthering the agenda of “Digital Maha Kumbh”, a robust cyber security team is established to provide cyber security to the devotees coming from all over the world.

Multi-Disaster Response and Emergency Readiness

State-of-the-Art Equipment: The newly deployed multi-disaster response vehicle is equipped with victim location cameras, lifting tools, and cutting equipment to handle emergencies efficiently. This vehicle features state-of-the-art equipment capable of handling situations ranging from natural disasters to road accidents. It includes a lifting bag with a capacity of 10 to 20 tonnes, enabling the rescue of individuals buried under debris, and specialised machines to lift and move heavy objects weighing up to 1.5 tonnes. Additionally, the vehicle is equipped with tools to cut and spread through strong debris during emergencies. The victim location camera is particularly effective in locating individuals trapped in collapsed structures. An inbuilt generator ensures the seamless operation of electronic equipment, even in challenging conditions. The vehicle is also stocked with protective gear such as life jackets, life rings, and life buoys. A temperature-measuring device further enhances its utility by providing accurate temperature readings during fire incidents.

Remote-Controlled Life Buoys: Large-scale deployment of remote-controlled life buoys has been introduced to enhance safety. These devices can rapidly reach any location and transport individuals to safety in case of emergencies, ensuring the well-being of pilgrims from across the world.    

Incident Response System (IRS): A systematic approach ensures quick and coordinated action during emergencies, with designated commanders at various levels of the fairground’s management. Responsibilities have been clearly defined at the division, district, and fair levels under this system. In case of any emergency or disaster within the Mela area, the designated response team will be activated immediately.

Seven-Tier Security Framework

Layered Protection: From the outer cordon to the inner sanctum, a seven-tier security system has been implemented. Extensive search operations across Prayagraj and nearby districts have been conducted, as well as intensive inspections of hotels, restaurants, street vendors, and unauthorized settlements. Vehicles entering the fairgrounds and Prayagraj will undergo strict checks, while unlicensed vehicles will be prohibited.

Strengthened Infrastructure: The Prayagraj Police has expanded their infrastructure and personnel, setting up temporary police stations and checkpoints in both urban and rural areas. With 57 police stations, 13 temporary stations, and 23 checkpoints, the Prayagraj Police are equipped to manage the large influx of pilgrims.

Comprehensive Force Deployment: Over 10,000 police personnel, along with PAC, National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), and Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) units, will ensure safety throughout the event. Over 700 boats equipped with flags will have PAC, NDRF, and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) personnel stationed 24/7. In addition, paramilitary forces, PAC, bomb disposal squads, and other security forces will be deployed.

Prayagraj Police Commissionerate’s permanent and temporary infrastructure include 8 zones, 18 sectors, 13 temporary stations, 44 permanent stations, 33 temporary checkpoints, 5 companies of PAC, 4 teams of NDRF, 12 teams of AS Check and 4 teams of BDD.

Enhanced River Security by Water Police

To ensure the safety of crores of devotees along the Ganga and Yamuna rivers, especially in the Sangam area, the Uttar Pradesh government has deployed a large contingent of Water Police personnel equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

Key Measures:

Advanced Surveillance: Underwater drones and sonar systems are utilized for round-the-clock monitoring.

Extensive Deployment: 2,500 Water Police personnel have been deployed, with an additional 1,300 joining before the event, bringing the total to 3,800.

Emergency Response Tools: 11 FRP speed motor boats have been deployed for continuous patrolling of the Sangam area. The six-seater boats ensure constant vigilance and rapid response to emergencies. Along with this, 25 rechargeable mobile remote area lighting systems have been installed. Furthermore, four Anaconda motorboats equipped with changing rooms have been deployed.

Dedicated Infrastructure: Three Water Police stations and two floating rescue stations function 24/7 to enhance vigilance.

Medical Preparedness: Four water ambulances equipped with modern medical facilities are stationed strategically.

Deep-Water Barricading: Deep-water barricading has been implemented along an 8 km stretch, supported by two floating rescue stations, where specially trained personnel are stationed to respond swiftly to any incident.

The Water Police are also equipped with 100 diving kits, 440 lifebuoys, over 3,000 life jackets, and other cutting-edge tools, ensuring comprehensive safety coverage.

Security Preparedness Across Land, Water, and Air

Mock drills by police and ATS teams, inspections of infrastructure, and advanced equipment demonstrations were conducted to ensure readiness.

Deployment of interceptor and tethered drones, anti-drone systems, and advanced equipment.

Deployment of 40% additional forces compared to the previous Kumbh Mela.

Enhanced coordination with railways and traffic management systems.

Lost and Found Centres

The Mela authority along with the police department is establishing high-tech Lost and Found registration centers across the Mela area. This facility will provide digital registration of lost pilgrims at all centers and assist the pilgrims to unite with their kins. Lost persons not carrying a mobile can call and connect with their family/friends. Lost/missing person’s information, including the centre name/location where the person is situated at, will be displayed at every Lost and Found centre to help family/friends trace the missing person/s.

Public address announcements will be made at the centres for all lost/missing people. Social media (Facebook & Twitter) postings of Lost and Found individuals will be done. Finally, police support will be granted if lost person/s are not claimed by their family/friends within 12 hours.

Conclusion

Maha Kumbh 2025 stands as a testament to the Uttar Pradesh government’s commitment to safety, spirituality, and efficient management. With advanced technologies, strategic planning, and extensive resources, the event is set to offer a secure and divine experience to millions of devotees worldwide.

References

Department of Information & Public Relations (DPIR), Government of Uttar Pradesh

https://kumbh.gov.in/