Yogi Adityanath Reviews Maha Kumbh Plans for Maghi Purnima

Yogi Adityanath, chief minister of Uttar Pradesh, held a meeting on the preparation progress with police and civic authorities on Monday, before the important bathing ritual at Maha Kumbh, which will be observed on the day of Maghi Purnima.

Maghi Purnima, the fifth bathing date or Shahi Snan of the Maha Kumbh, will be observed on February 12 in 2024. 

Adityanath asked officials to ensure that the plans prepared were being executed as formulated. So much so that he said in a government issued statement that he was on the video call trying to gauge the preparations and was busy issuing guidelines all night.

The chief minister went on to add that the reason for the striking increase in devotees could be the recently celebrated Makar Sankranti. 

“Due to Makar Sankranti being celebrated across the country, people from various regions are expected to reach Prayagraj for the festival. This will greatly increase the flow of public and private vehicles overlooking public transport,” he said.

“With the increase of people flocking to the city, there is an urgent need to implement a gantry system that would aid with the regulation of traffic, as well as containing and managing the crowd during the event,” Adityanath specifically noted while addressing the officials. 

He said to the officials looking to the mental well being of the citizens, “Ensure that accurate information is promptly communicated to the public to prevent any misapprehension, or undue panic.”

The Chief Minister further stated that the existing parking allowances for over five hundred thousand vehicles needs to be fully employed while emphasizing that no motor vehicle is to be admitted into the fair grounds without due authority.

“He stated that there should not be any long lines of motor vehicles waiting on the roads. All traffic jams should without fail be controlled,” he stated.

Towards the end, he instructed the magistrates of all districts that share a boundary with Prayagraj to work with each other closely to guarantee satisfactory movement of the vehicles.

“It is our responsibility that the devotees returning back home after taking a holy dip, who are increasing at the railway stations in Pragyraaj ensure a safe journey,” the Chief Minister said stating. He said, “Trains should operate continuously and extra busses should also be provided when Priests are moving back to their homes, trains must be well coordinated.”