Prayagraj: While saints and saadhus of various Akharas continued with Amrit Snan, more than 62.25 lakh devotees took a holy dip in Sangam on the auspicious occasion of Basant Panchami during Maha Kumbh on Monday morning.
According to official figures, more than 34.97 crore devotees, including 10 lakh Kalpvasis, have taken the holy dip so far.
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with the senior officials, has been continuously monitoring the situation since early morning.
To make the event memorable for saints and devotees, a petal shower is being done by the administration from the sky.
The Yogi government is ensuring meticulous arrangements for the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan at Maha Kumbh, with Akhada saints and devotees excited for the occasion. On Basant Panchami, all Akhadas will gather at the sacred confluence to perform the divine Amrit Snan.
Crores of devotees are flocking to Prayagraj for the Amrit Snan at Triveni Sangam, while the beautifully decorated chariots, elephants, and horses are moving towards Sangam for bath on the auspicious occasion.
Following the CM’s directives, the fair administration is ensuring all arrangements are in place to guarantee a smooth experience for both devotees and sadhus at the Maha Kumbh.
Moreover, the false rumours circulating on social media about the event have been completely refuted by the saints and devotees.
In a statement about the Basant Panchami Amrit Snan, Akhada Parishad President Ravindra Puri said that on Basant Panchami, all 13 Akhadas will follow their tradition and perform the grand Amrit Snan. He said that under CM Yogi’s excellent administrative arrangements, all Akhadas are busy preparing for the event.
“The chariots and horses of the sadhus and sanyasis are being readied, and with God’s blessings, all Akhadas will take the Amrit Snan at the Sangam,” he said.
To manage the enormous crowd, the authorities have implemented a well-planned strategy across the fairground. Various route diversions and barricades have been set up to control the flow of people.
Devotees are being guided along single entry and exit routes to reach the Sangam, while separate paths are in place for returning to the bathing stations and bus terminals. Vehicle entry into the fairground has been completely banned on the day of the event.
In addition, a dedicated green corridor is maintained to handle any emergencies or crowd-related incidents. This ensures that NDGF, SDGF, fire brigade vehicles, and ambulances can reach any incident site immediately if needed.
To ensure a smooth and safe Amrit Snan during the Basant Panchami festival, the Maha Kumbh administration has devised a comprehensive six-phase security plan to regulate movement and prevent overcrowding in the Maha Kumbh area.
Acting on the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this plan includes appointing new officers and fresh deployment of police forces.
As part of the strategy, existing CAPF and PAC companies have been reallocated, and additional senior police officers have been stationed at key locations. Security measures have been further strengthened with enhanced barricading, strategically placed signages for better visibility, and an increased frequency of alert messages from the ICCC.
Special attention has been given to deploying additional forces at high-sensitivity zones.
Under the revised deployment plan, seven CAPF companies have been relocated from Akhara to high-priority zones. As part of the security plan, three companies have been deployed in South Jhunsi, two in North Jhunsi, and two platoons at Shastri Bridge.
Besides, one platoon each has been stationed from Kali Ramp to Upper Sangam Marg and from Kali Upper Sangam Marg to the Sangam area.
Six additional CAPF companies have been allocated to Sangam Ghat, with three companies deployed in each shift, ensuring continuous security monitoring.
This strategic security overhaul aims to facilitate a seamless and secure Amrit Snan for devotees while maintaining strict crowd control measures.
Experienced senior gazetted police officers have been deployed during the Basant Panchami bathing festival. This includes four officers at the Superintendent of Police level and three at the Additional Superintendent of Police level. By doing so, the expertise of seasoned officers will be effectively combined with the energy of recruits to ensure seamless law enforcement.
The administration has identified 11 sensitive locations requiring additional police deployment. These include Tikarmafi, Ganga Murti Chauraha, Nagvasuki Ramp, Kali Ramp, Upper Sangam Marg, GT Road at Jawahar Chauraha, pontoon bridges connecting Jhunsi to Parade, Jagdish Marg, Mahavir Marg, Akshayvat Marg, Triveni Marg, Kali Marg, Chhatnag Marg and the Ganga Prasar area along the Akhara return route.
The entire Old GT Road area from Old GT Ghat is also under heightened security. To reinforce safety, 37 QRTs and one company of the PAC have been placed on standby.
For better crowd management, the number and height of signage on all return routes have been increased to ensure clear visibility for devotees leaving Sangam.
Besides, digital displays on VMDs will provide real-time directions. Continuous updates will also inform visitors which pontoon bridges are open for entry and exit.
Given the evolving situation, the frequency of alert messages from the ICCC has been increased to ensure timely communication.
A special crowd management plan, ‘Operation Eleven,’ has been implemented for the Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami at Maha Kumbh.
The initiative has been launched under the strict directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees.
To manage the massive influx of pilgrims, a one-way route system has been designed, preventing congestion and ensuring smooth movement. Special arrangements have also been made on pontoon bridges to ensure that devotees do not face any inconvenience while crossing.
Moreover, additional police forces have been deployed at Triveni’s ghats to prevent overcrowding. Senior officials have been stationed with their teams to monitor the situation closely.
