Following a stampede-like situation at the Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath made an urgent appeal to devotees to avoid bathing at the Triveni Sangam on Mauni Amavasya. He also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice in an hour, receiving directive to provide immediate relief to those affected. As thousands are gathered for the holy dip, this advisory and response from the CM and PM is critical in managing the situation and ensuring the safety of the devotees.
Stampede Averted at Maha Kumbh: CM Yogi Adityanath's Timely Intervention and PM Modi's Directives
The annual Maha Kumbh in Uttar Pradesh, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, was marred by a stampede-like situation on the occasion of Mauni Amavasya. However, timely intervention by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi helped avert a major tragedy.
Background: The Maha Kumbh
The Maha Kumbh is a Hindu pilgrimage held every 12 years at four different locations: Prayagraj, Haridwar, Ujjain, and Nashik. The bathing ritual at the confluence of the Ganges, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers (known as the "Triveni Sangam") is considered particularly auspicious during the Kumbh Mela.
The Stampede-Like Situation
On February 11, 2023, millions of devotees gathered at the Triveni Sangam to take a holy dip on Mauni Amavasya, the new moon day. Due to overcrowding, a stampede-like situation ensued at one of the main bathing ghats.
CM Adityanath's Appeal and PM Modi's Directives
As soon as reports of the stampede-like situation reached Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, he made an urgent public appeal to devotees to avoid bathing at the Triveni Sangam. He also spoke to Prime Minister Narendra Modi twice within an hour.
PM Modi directed the CM to provide immediate relief to those affected and to take all necessary steps to ensure the safety of the devotees.
Response and Aftermath
Following the CM's appeal and PM's directives, additional security forces were deployed at the ghats to control the crowd. Medical assistance was also provided to those injured in the stampede-like situation.
The administration announced that the remaining bathing period would be extended to allow all devotees to take a dip at the Triveni Sangam safely.
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