Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday chaired a crucial high-level meeting to assess security and logistical preparations across the state for the upcoming Magh Mela and other major festivals. The CM emphasized that the safety, convenience, and smooth experience of devotees are the government's foremost priorities, warning that negligence at any level would not be tolerated.
Comprehensive Directives for Key Pilgrimage Districts
During the review, the Chief Minister issued specific instructions to officials from all major districts associated with the Magh Mela. These include Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Hapur (Garhmukteshwar), Mathura-Vrindavan, Farrukhabad, and Shahjahanpur. He directed them to ensure seamless movement of pilgrims, maintain impeccable cleanliness at ghats and temple premises, and guarantee uninterrupted power supply.
Other critical facilities ordered include adequate changing rooms for women, functional control rooms, robust crowd management systems, and well-planned entry and exit points at fair grounds. "Under no circumstances should chaos be allowed to prevail," stated CM Yogi, asserting that every devotee must be able to bathe and offer prayers in a secure and peaceful environment.
Enhanced Health, Safety, and Sanitation Measures
With an estimated 15 to 25 lakh devotees expected to arrive in Prayagraj on Paush Purnima, the Chief Minister called for a significant strengthening of health services. He mandated adequate arrangements for hospitals, medical staff, ambulances, clean toilets, and drinking water. Special attention was directed towards women's facilities and the deployment of divers at ghats to handle emergencies.
Women's safety was declared a top priority. The CM instructed authorities to identify suspicious and unruly elements in fair areas and public places and take strict action against them. To prevent the spread of diseases, the Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments were told to intensify cleanliness drives, especially in slum areas, and ensure comprehensive sanitation and clean drinking water.
Addressing Winter Challenges and Ensuring Order
In view of the severe cold wave, Yogi Adityanath directed officials to make ample provisions for night shelters, bonfires, and improved lighting at railway stations, bus stands, and other public spaces to ensure "no one sleeps in the open." He also issued strict orders against the arbitrary charging of fares for boat operations at pilgrimage sites.
The Chief Minister took a firm stance on law and order, directing strict action against anyone spreading anarchy, engaging in hooliganism, or putting undue pressure on the administration in the name of any organization. "There will be no compromise on law and order, and the common citizen will not be allowed to face any trouble," he asserted.
Looking ahead, CM Yogi instructed all districts to formulate a flood relief plan and prepare a detailed action plan within the next ten days. Reiterating the government's responsibility, he said, "Protection of land and property of the common people is the responsibility of the state government. No laxity will be tolerated at any level." He concluded by directing that the public grievance redressal system be made more effective, with regular district-level hearings to resolve complaints promptly.
