Prayagraj: The Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department is ramping up efforts to ensure the safety of millions of devotees attending Mahakumbh 2025, with a historic initiative aimed at preventing fire accidents. This initiative includes the deployment of six state-of-the-art fireboats around the fair area, particularly along the ghats, marking the first time fireboats will be used at the Kumbh and setting a national precedent.
Fireboats to Enhance Safety at Riverside Ghats
The key feature of this safety measure is the positioning of six advanced fireboats along the ghats of the Mahakumbh fair area. These fireboats are designed to respond rapidly to fire emergencies, ensuring the safety of both the devotees and the emergency responders. The fireboats will be stationed strategically to cover areas along the river, especially around high-risk zones where large crowds of devotees are expected to gather for rituals.
Pramod Sharma, the Chief Fire Officer and Nodal Officer for Mahakumbh, highlighted that the fireboats will act as a shield for firemen during high-risk operations, offering immediate access to water sources and enabling quick suppression of fire hazards. The boats are equipped with advanced firefighting technology and are specifically designed to operate in the unique environment of the Kumbh Mela, where vast areas along the river are densely populated with people.
Budget Allocation for Fire Safety
A substantial budget of Rs 131.48 crore has been allocated for ensuring fire safety during Mahakumbh 2025. Of this, Rs 66.75 crore will be allocated to the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department to strengthen its resources and capabilities, while the remaining Rs 64.73 crore is earmarked for vehicles, equipment, and logistics under the departmental budget. This financial investment is aimed at creating a robust fire safety infrastructure that can handle the scale and complexity of the event.
The budget will cover the cost of various firefighting vehicles, equipment, and technological tools needed to ensure quick response times and effective fire control. In addition to the fireboats, the fire department will be deploying a range of modern firefighting vehicles, personal protective equipment, and communication tools to enhance the safety of both devotees and responders.
Fireboats: Specifications and Deployment
Each of the six fireboats has been specifically selected for its advanced firefighting capabilities. Valued at Rs 1.38 crore each, the fireboats are equipped with high-powered water pumps and advanced firefighting systems capable of reaching remote and difficult-to-access areas along the ghats. Their unique design allows them to navigate the river with ease and provide immediate fire protection in case of emergencies.
These fireboats will be deployed at the Sangam and other key ghats, with the full deployment expected by the last week of December 2024. The boats will be manned by a trained crew, including firefighters skilled in maritime firefighting operations. This preparation will ensure that the fireboats are ready to operate efficiently before the start of the Mahakumbh, which is expected to attract millions of devotees.
Fire Safety Training and Infrastructure
To ensure the highest level of preparedness, the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department is also focusing on training and infrastructure. Local firefighters are undergoing specialized training to handle fire emergencies in crowded and challenging environments like the ghats. The fire department has also set up several fire safety camps at strategic locations within the fair area to provide quick response teams in case of any fire incidents.
The fire safety camps will serve as bases for the fireboats and other firefighting teams. These camps will be equipped with essential firefighting tools, communication devices, and first-aid kits, ensuring that fire safety measures are in place at all times.
Collaborative Efforts for a Fire-Free Mahakumbh
The initiative to deploy fireboats is part of a larger effort to make Mahakumbh 2025 a fire-accident-free zone. This ambitious project reflects the collaborative efforts between the Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department, local authorities, and various other stakeholders involved in the management of the event. The use of fireboats is expected to drastically reduce the risk of fire accidents in the high-traffic areas of the Kumbh Mela.
The focus on fire safety comes as a response to the challenges posed by the scale and nature of the Mahakumbh. With millions of devotees congregating at the ghats, ensuring their safety is paramount. The deployment of fireboats and the strategic allocation of resources aim to minimize the risk of fire accidents and ensure that Mahakumbh 2025 is remembered for its successful and safe conduct.
The deployment of six fireboats and a budget of Rs 131.48 crore marks a significant step forward in ensuring the safety of attendees at Mahakumbh 2025. The Uttar Pradesh Fire and Emergency Services Department’s efforts to integrate advanced firefighting technology, such as fireboats, into the event’s security plan is a first in the history of the Kumbh Mela and sets a new standard for fire safety at large-scale public gatherings. With these measures in place, Mahakumbh 2025 is poised to be a safer and more secure event, free from the risk of fire-related accidents.
