Wed Jan 29 02:40:00 UTC 2025: **Uttar Pradesh CM Holds High-Level Meeting After Mahakumbh Stampede**

Prayagraj, India – Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath convened an urgent high-level meeting in Lucknow following a stampede at the Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj during the night of Mauni Amavasya. The marathon meeting, attended by the Chief Secretary, DGP, and other senior Uttar Pradesh government officials, began at 4 am. CM Adityanath continuously monitored the ongoing rescue and relief efforts in Prayagraj and received regular updates from officials.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi contacted CM Adityanath four times to assess the situation and relief operations. Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP National President JP Nadda, and Governor Anandiben Patel also spoke with the Chief Minister, assuring full central government support.

In his initial response, CM Adityanath urged pilgrims to avoid the Sangam confluence point and instead bathe at nearby ghats. He also cautioned against spreading rumors.

The CM stated that approximately 8-10 crore pilgrims were present in Prayagraj, with around 5.5 crore having already taken a dip on the previous day. The stampede occurred around 1-2 am near the Akhara Marg, where barricades had been set up for the Akharas’ ritual bath. Some pilgrims attempted to breach the barricades, resulting in serious injuries. Injured pilgrims were immediately hospitalized.

CM Adityanath reported that the situation is under control but that crowd pressure remains high. He confirmed that he had spoken with Akhara Parishad officials and religious leaders, who agreed to prioritize the safe bathing of pilgrims before proceeding with their own rituals. He stated that by late morning, over three crore pilgrims had already completed their bath. The administration continues to work towards managing the crowd pressure at the Sangam, Akhara Marg and Nagavasuki Marg.

The Chief Minister appealed for calm and urged people not to heed rumors. He highlighted the availability of temporary ghats within a 15-20 km radius, encouraging pilgrims, particularly the elderly, children, and those with respiratory illnesses, to use these facilities to avoid the congestion at the Sangam. He emphasized that bathing at any ghat on the Ganges would hold the same religious significance.

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