Situation under control now, says Yogi on Kumbh stampede

He also urged the people not to pay attention to the rumours. He said that around 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj and there is continuous pressure due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam Nose

New Delhi: Chief Minister Yogi Adiyanath on Wednesday said the situation in Maha Kumbh was now under control and some devotees have been critically injured in the stampede.

He also urged the people not to pay attention to the rumours. He said that around 8-10 crore devotees are present in Prayagraj and there is continuous pressure due to the movement of devotees towards the Sangam Nose. He said that around three crore people have taken a holy dip as of 8.30 am.

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The CM said this while speaking to the media in Lucknow even as the high-level meeting of top officials at his residence was ongoing. He expressed grief over the stampede-like situation in the Maha Kumbh Mela and said all assistance was being provided and the Maha Kumbh administration was alert.

Giving details about the stampede, CM Yogi said the situation happened at 2 am as devotees rushed to the Sangam nose and the barricades broke due to a massive crowd.

The CM said, “A few devotees have suffered serious injuries when they tried to cross barricading on Akhara Marg. The injured have been shifted to hospitals for medical treatment. Since Mauni Amavasya mahurat started last night, a large number of devotees have been coming in.” “The situation is now under control…Snan of devotees is a priority for us,” he said.

CM Yogi said Prime Minister Narendra Modi has taken stock of the situation four times till now. Union Home Minister Amit Shah and Governor Anandiben Patel are also continuously taking reports of the situation, he said.

“The situation in Prayagraj is under control but the crowd size remains massive. The saints of different Akhaaras have said that devotees should take the holy dip first and once crowds reduce Akharas will proceed for the holy dip,” the CM said. CM Yogi once again appealed to the devotees not to pay attention to the rumours and to visit other ghats.

“There are large crowds at Sangam Nose, Nag Vasuki Marg and Sangam Marg. I appeal to the devotees to not pay attention to any rumours. Ghats have been made in the entire Kumbh area, devotees don’t need to move towards Sangam nose only. Devotees should take holy dip at the ghats nearest to them.”

The CM said the administration was ensuring proper medical treatment of the injured persons. The Railways have organised special trains from different stations in the Prayagraj region to take devotees back to their respective destinations, he said. CM Yogi was holding a meeting with the top officials of the State over the situation following the stampede at Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj.