In a significant move to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the upcoming Magh Mela-2026, the Mela police administration in Prayagraj carried out an extensive security mock drill on Monday. The exercise was designed to rigorously test the preparedness of all agencies for managing potential emergencies during the large-scale religious gathering.
Testing Preparedness for Major Emergencies
The primary objective of this large-scale rehearsal was to evaluate the response mechanisms for a range of critical situations. Authorities focused on simulating scenarios including major fires, crowd stampedes, water-related accidents, and other unforeseen disasters. The drill aimed to strengthen inter-departmental coordination, which is crucial for managing an event of this magnitude.
The 44-day Magh Mela is scheduled to commence on January 3, 2026, and will conclude on February 15, 2026. Given the expected influx of millions of devotees, the administration has left no stone unturned in its planning. For the mock drill, the police implemented ten distinct contingency plans specifically crafted for crowd management and crisis response.
City-Wide Rehearsals and Traffic Management
The exercise was not confined to the Mela grounds alone. Rehearsals were conducted across ten different identified locations in the city and within the Magh Mela area. These spots were marked as sensitive zones requiring extra vigilance during an actual emergency. As part of the drill, traffic was systematically diverted and regulated according to the predefined contingency plans, testing the city's adaptability to sudden changes in flow.
Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey provided details on the execution. He stated that out of the ten prepared plans, contingency plan numbers 1 and 2 were rehearsed within the core Magh Mela area. Meanwhile, contingency plan number 3 was put to the test at the busy GT Jawahar Chowk. The drills at various Mela locations were led by different senior officers to ensure command-level readiness.
High-Level Oversight and Future Readiness
The importance of the exercise was underscored by the presence of top officials. Divisional Commissioner of Prayagraj, Saumya Agarwal, along with other senior police officers, were present to observe the proceedings. Their involvement highlights the administrative priority being given to a safe and accident-free fair.
This comprehensive mock drill represents a proactive step by the Prayagraj administration. By identifying gaps and streamlining coordination between the police, disaster management, health, and traffic departments well in advance, the authorities aim to transform the Magh Mela 2026 into a benchmark for secure and well-organized spiritual gatherings.
