Synopsis
A comprehensive crowd management initiative, termed ‘Operation Eleven’, has been implemented for the Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami at Mahakumbh. Instigated by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, this plan aims to ensure the safety and comfort of the devotees during the event.Key Takeaways
- One-way route system for smooth movement.
- Enhanced security measures across key locations.
- Special arrangements at railway stations and bus terminals.
- Increased barricades for better crowd regulation.
- Deployment of additional security forces for the event.
Mahakumbh Nagar, Feb 2 (NationPress) A dedicated crowd management strategy, termed ‘Operation Eleven’, has been implemented for the Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami during the Mahakumbh. This initiative has been initiated under the stringent guidance of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure the safety and comfort of the pilgrims.
To handle the large number of visitors, a one-way route system has been established to avoid congestion and facilitate smooth movement. Special provisions have been arranged on pontoon bridges to guarantee that devotees encounter no difficulties while crossing.
Additionally, extra police personnel are being assigned to the Triveni ghats to avert overcrowding. Senior officials will be present with their teams to closely observe the circumstances.
To further enhance crowd management, the number of barricades has been increased for improved regulation and safety.
Operation Eleven: Special crowd management plan for Mahakumbh
1. Strict Enforcement of One-Way Route
On Basant Panchami Amrit Snan, a strict one-way traffic system will be enforced. To ensure seamless movement and control congestion, traffic diversions will be implemented on major routes. Most pontoon bridges will remain operational, with additional police officers and barricades positioned at key bathing ghats for effective crowd management.
2. Enhanced Security at Key Locations
Special security measures have been established on the New Yamuna Bridge. A PAC unit, led by an additional gazetted officer, will manage traffic from Naini towards Sangam. Moreover, two motorcycle squads will patrol the area continuously. The bridge’s side railings have been strengthened to prevent any accidents.
3. Special Surveillance on Shastri Setu
A company of PAC and a gazetted officer have been deployed to regulate traffic from Jhunsi towards Sangam. Two motorcycle squads will be on active patrol to oversee and manage the flow of vehicles and pedestrians.
4. Crowd Control at Tikarmafi Turn
A CAPF unit, led by a gazetted officer, has been stationed at Tikarmafi Turn. Traffic from Jhunsi towards Tikarmafi Turn will be redirected through Katka Tiraha, Jiraph Crossing, Chhatnag Turn, and Samudrakup Turn. The road dividers have been leveled for the easy movement of devotees.
5. Special Arrangements at Phaphamau and Pontoon Bridges
At Phaphamau Bridge and Pontoon bridges, two motorcycle patrol teams will oversee the movement, while PAC personnel will manage crowd flow at entry and exit points.
6. Special Arrangements at Railway Stations and Bus Terminals
Special provisions have been made at Jhunsi railway station. PAC has been deployed here under the leadership of a gazetted officer. Strong barricading has been set up at entry and exit points, and in collaboration with railway authorities, train frequency is being increased to accommodate the influx of pilgrims.
7. Bus Operations Plan for Jhunsi Area
A temporary bus station at Saraswati Dwar will facilitate bus services to Gorakhpur and Varanasi. A sufficient number of reserved buses will be stationed in Jhunsi at night. Shuttle buses will operate between Andawa, Saraswati Dwar, and Sahson to ensure smooth transportation for devotees.
8. Special Security at Prayag Junction
Police and two companies of PAC have been deployed under the leadership of three Deputy Superintendents of Police. Robust barricading and an adequate police force have been arranged at Yudhishthir intersection to halt traffic heading towards Prayag Junction from the IERT flyover. Sufficient signage has been placed to direct devotees.
9. Crowd Management at GT Jawahar and Harshvardhan Squares
Ample police personnel and PAC have been deployed under the guidance of gazetted officers for traffic diversion at Medical College intersection and Balsan intersection. There will be diversion from Balsan via Bakshi Dam towards Nagvasuki area. Devotees will be guided from Stanley Road Junction via Lajpat Rai Road to the Commissioner’s Office Junction, passing through Bharat Scout. From there, they will turn right at Mazar Junction and proceed alongside the IERT parking area to reach the Mela grounds.
10. Additional Security and Traffic Measures
Extra police and traffic officers have been deployed at Andawa and Sahso intersections. Nine motorcycle squads will maintain constant vigilance here. Cranes will be on standby to handle emergencies.
11. Deployment of Additional Security Forces
For the third Amrit Snan, two companies of RAF and three companies of PAC will be deployed. Gazetted officers will monitor sensitive areas. 56 Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and 15 motorcycle patrol squads will ensure effective patrolling. CAPF and PAC will be stationed at major checkpoints and diversion points to maintain order.
