Prayagraj, February 3, 2025 – With millions of devotees expected to gather for the Basant Panchami ‘Amrit Snan’ at Maha Kumbh 2025, authorities have launched ‘Operation Eleven’, a special crowd management strategy aimed at ensuring safety during the sacred bathing ritual.
This step comes in response to the recent stampede at Sangam on Mauni Amavasya, which resulted in casualties and chaos. The Uttar Pradesh government and law enforcement agencies are now implementing stringent security measures, improved crowd control, and emergency response plans to avoid any mishaps.
Why ‘Operation Eleven’ Is Crucial?
Maha Kumbh, the largest religious gathering in the world, attracts millions of devotees to Prayagraj. The third ‘Amrit Snan’ on Basant Panchami is expected to see over 5 crore people taking a holy dip at the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.
🚨 The Challenge:
✔️ Managing millions of devotees in a confined space
✔️ Preventing overcrowding and stampedes
✔️ Ensuring smooth traffic movement in and around Prayagraj
✔️ Providing emergency medical assistance
✔️ Enhancing security amid high-profile attendance
Enhanced Security & Crowd Control Measures
As part of ‘Operation Eleven’, authorities are deploying:
🔹 10,000+ police personnel and paramilitary forces
🔹 Surveillance drones to monitor crowd density
🔹 CCTV cameras with facial recognition at key entry points
🔹 Multiple entry and exit routes to prevent congestion
🔹 Emergency medical camps along the ghats
🔹 Temporary bridges & barricades for regulated crowd flow
🔹 Loudspeaker announcements for real-time crowd guidance
Government’s Response After Mauni Amavasya Stampede
The Mauni Amavasya stampede, which occurred on January 29, 2025, raised concerns about crowd management failures at Maha Kumbh. Following the tragic incident, the Uttar Pradesh government conducted an internal review and introduced several corrective measures:
✔️ More medical units & ambulances stationed across the ghats
✔️ Increased patrolling by disaster response teams
✔️ Strict limit on the number of people entering the Sangam area
✔️ Real-time monitoring of crowd movements via AI-powered surveillance
Authorities’ Statements on ‘Operation Eleven’
🔹 UP Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath: “Devotee safety is our top priority. ‘Operation Eleven’ will ensure a well-organized and spiritually fulfilling Maha Kumbh experience.”
🔹 Kumbh Mela Officer Rajesh Kumar: “We have learned from past incidents and are leaving no stone unturned in making this Amrit Snan safe and smooth.”
🔹 Prayagraj District Magistrate Sanjay Singh: “We request devotees to follow instructions, maintain discipline, and cooperate with authorities.”
What Devotees Need to Know
📌 Timings for Amrit Snan:
Basant Panchami Snan: February 3, 2025, from 4:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📌 Restricted Zones:
No entry for private vehicles near Sangam area
Limited access to VIP enclosures
Devotees must follow designated paths for entry & exit
📌 Safety Guidelines for Pilgrims:
✔️ Follow police and volunteer instructions
✔️ Stay in designated bathing areas
✔️ Avoid bringing large bags or valuables
✔️ Elderly & children should stay close to family members
✔️ Call helpline numbers in case of emergencies
Conclusion: Ensuring a Safe & Spiritual Experience
Maha Kumbh 2025 is a once-in-a-lifetime spiritual event, and ‘Operation Eleven’ is a much-needed step toward ensuring a safe, organized, and peaceful Amrit Snan. As millions gather for this divine occasion, the combined efforts of authorities, volunteers, and devotees will determine the success of the event.
Let’s make this Maha Kumbh a symbol of faith, unity, and discipline!
