Prayagraj, November 10: The Yogi Adityanath-led government in Uttar Pradesh has announced an unprecedented seven-layer security plan for the upcoming Maha Kumbh Mela, scheduled to start January 13, 2025. With lakhs of devotees expected to gather, the government aims to ensure safety through a strategic deployment of over 37,000 police personnel, enhanced technological measures, and tight coordination among security agencies.

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently visited Prayagraj to review Maha Kumbh Mela 2025 preparations, holding key meetings with officials on security arrangements. He stressed the need for a secure and peaceful experience for all devotees.

Comprehensive Security Zones and Deployment

The fairgrounds will be segmented into 10 zones, 25 sectors, 56 police stations, and 155 posts, streamlining security for efficient response. A key focus will be on safeguarding religious sites, camps, bridges, and ghats. Specialised arrangements will include two National Security Guard (NSG) contingents and 26 Anti-Sabotage teams positioned across key areas, including entry and exit points, parking zones, and temples. Additionally, the deployment of 1,378 women police officers will focus on the safety of women devotees. Mahakumbh Mela 2025: 2-Day Bird Festival To Be Held at World’s Largest Religious Gathering To Make People Connect With Nature.

In total, the security force will include 22,953 officers deployed directly at the fairgrounds, 6,887 in Prayagraj, and 7,771 officers for the Government Railway Police (GRP). This bolstered presence, with over 10,000 more officers than previous Kumbh events, aims to make the 2025 gathering the safest Kumbh Mela yet. Maha Kumbh Mela 2025: 1.5 Lakh Toilets To Be Set Up Across Mahakumbh Mela Area in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj by December 15.

Cutting-Edge Technology for Crowd Monitoring

The security plan incorporates AI-enabled CCTV cameras for real-time crowd monitoring, facial recognition, and data collection by Technical Service Providers (TSPs). Centralised at the Integrated Control and Command Centre (ICCC), the system will facilitate coordination among security agencies, allowing swift responses to emergencies. Underwater drones will patrol riverbanks, while anti-drone systems and bulletproof outposts will secure entry points and VIP areas.

The government has also allocated INR 6.25 lakh for water scooters, enhancing rapid response capabilities along the ghats. These scooters will operate near the ghats to offer immediate assistance, supported by two floating rescue stations equipped with first-aid supplies at the Sangam and VIP ghats.

Special Teams and Additional Safety Measures

The Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) will receive specialized Anaconda boats for patrols and rescue operations, while floating ambulances will be on standby for medical emergencies. The PAC has also trained personnel in underwater operations to monitor the Sangam area, adding a crucial layer of safety for devotees along the riverbanks.

For added vigilance, snipers, sniffer dogs, and bomb detection squads will monitor high-security zones, particularly where dignitaries and diplomats gather. Twenty snipers, three sniffer dogs, and four specialised ‘Swan’ teams will provide additional protection at these sensitive locations.

CM Yogi Adityanath’s Commitment to a Secure and Peaceful Kumbh Mela

UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently inspected the arrangements in Prayagraj and emphasised a safe, peaceful experience for all attendees. His directives led to meticulous planning of the seven-level protection system, reflecting a commitment to counter potential threats and ensure rapid response capabilities during the Maha Kumbh Mela 2025.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Nov 10, 2024 02:41 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).