Prayagraj: More than one crore pilgrims, including saints, Kalpwasis, and devotees, took a holy dip in Sangam, the confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mystic Saraswati rivers, on the occasion of Magh Purnima during Maha Kumbh on Wednesday.
Official sources said that adding to the religious and spiritual spirit of the pilgrims, saints, and devotees taking a bath in the Sangam, they were welcomed with flower showers from the air.
Sources said that till 8 am over 1.02 crore devotees, including 10 lakh Kalpwasis, took a bath in the Sangam till 8 am. Till Tuesday, more than 46.25 crore devotees have taken a holy dip, they said.
To ensure seamless arrangements, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, along with the senior officers, is continuously monitoring the situation from Lucknow since the wee hours.
It may be noted that the UP government has made foolproof preparations for the successful organisation of the fourth bathing festival, Magh Purnima. CM Yogi has issued clear directives to ensure that no devotee, Kalpvasi, or ordinary citizen faces any inconvenience in the Maha Kumbh Mela area or across Prayagraj city.
In line with this, the local administration and police department are working with full readiness, focusing on traffic management, smooth vehicular movement, parking, security, surveillance, and overall monitoring.
Prayagraj Police Commissioner Tarun Gaba said that the UP government and police are committed to offering devotees a seamless and hassle-free experience at the Maha Kumbh. He highlighted that traffic management plans were formulated months in advance and are being successfully implemented.
He said, "Despite the surge in vehicles towards the weekend and intermittent high-traffic periods, the administration and police force have efficiently managed challenges through tireless efforts. As a result, traffic remains smooth on all routes leading to the fair area and within Prayagraj, ensuring no congestion in the city."
The police and local administration are utilising ANPR and AI-enabled cameras to monitor the movement of devotees and regulate traffic in the fair area. Besides, real-time data is being gathered from toll plazas and officials in neighbouring districts to track incoming vehicle numbers and routes, enabling appropriate traffic management.
To ensure a smooth experience for all, the fair area has been declared a no-vehicle zone a day before the Magh Purnima bathing festival. Vehicular movement across Prayagraj city is also restricted from Tuesday evening. A dedicated traffic plan has been implemented for the Kalpavasis residing in the fair area, and all necessary information has been conveyed to them.
