The security arrangements include 27 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), 52 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), 10 PAC flood relief teams, and companies from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF)
As millions of pilgrims prepare to converge on Prayagraj for the 45-day Mahakumbh festival, authorities have unveiled an extensive security and safety plan to manage the massive congregation. Spanning over 4,000 hectares, the festival is expected to draw over 350 million visitors, prompting the deployment of around 50,000 personnel to ensure a safe and orderly event.
A senior police official overseeing the preparations said dedicated facilities have been set up to accommodate the large force, which includes state and central agencies. “For such a big force of police personnel, three police lines, three traffic police lines, three women police lines, and one mounted police line have been established in Prayagraj,” he stated.
Comprehensive Security Measure
The security arrangements include 27 companies of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), 52 Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF), 10 PAC flood relief teams, and companies from the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF). Specialised teams such as Anti-Terrorism Squads (ATS), anti-sabotage units, bomb detection and disposal squads (BDDS), and sniper teams are also in place.
To enhance vigilance, 56 temporary police stations, 155 police outposts, 140 watchtowers, and 10 pink booths dedicated to women’s safety have been set up across the Mahakumbh area. Additional Director General (ADG) Bhanu Bhaskar explained that crowd management is a top priority to prevent incidents like the 2013 Kumbh stampede at the Prayagraj railway station, which claimed more than 40 lives.
Advanced Fire Safety Measures
Given the risks posed by temporary structures, electrical setups, and cooking areas, the fire department has implemented modern safety technologies. Director General (Fire Services) Avinash Chandra outlined the extensive fire safety deployment, which includes 50 fire stations, 15 substations, and 40 fire watchtowers.
“We are deploying 80 firefighting motorbikes fitted with water mist systems and compressed air foam, 125 quick response vehicles, 120 large water tenders, and six foam tenders,” said Pramod Sharma, Chief Fire Officer of the Mahakumbh area. These measures aim to mitigate fire hazards and ensure the safety of devotees and tourists.
Technology-Driven Surveillance
To monitor the vast crowds, around 2,700 CCTV cameras with advanced features such as facial recognition and automatic vehicle registration scanning have been installed. The system is designed to detect and alert authorities about crowd density, barricade breaches, fire, and smoke.
Authorities have also devised comprehensive traffic and crowd control plans. Dedicated routes have been assigned for vehicles and pedestrians entering the Mahakumbh area, with separate paths for arrivals at nine railway stations and Prayagraj airport. Diversion plans and contingency schemes are in place to prevent congestion and ensure smooth movement.
Focus On Safety & Efficiency
The scale of the preparations reflects the government’s focus on safeguarding the millions of pilgrims expected to attend the festival. The Mahakumbh is not just a religious gathering but also a logistical challenge, and authorities are leveraging technology and manpower to ensure a successful and safe event.
“The deployment of resources and the integration of advanced technologies underscore our commitment to preventing overcrowding and ensuring public safety,” added ADG Bhaskar.
