Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath chaired a high-level review meeting via video conferencing with senior officials of concerned districts to assess security and administrative preparations for upcoming festivals and the Magh Mela. Emphasising that the safety, convenience and smooth conduct of religious events are the state government’s top priority, the Chief Minister made it clear that negligence at any level will not be tolerated.
Directing officials of Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Hapur (Garhmukteshwar), Mathura-Vrindavan, Farrukhabad, Shahjahanpur and other key districts, the CM instructed them to ensure seamless pilgrim movement, cleanliness at ghats and temple premises, uninterrupted power supply, women’s changing rooms, control rooms, effective crowd management and smooth entry-exit arrangements in mela areas.
With the Magh Mela in Prayagraj commencing from Paush Purnima on Saturday and an estimated 15–25 lakh devotees expected on the first day, the CM ordered strengthening of health services, including deployment of medical staff, ambulances, drinking water facilities and clean toilets. Adequate deployment of divers at ghats was also directed to handle emergencies promptly.
Highlighting women’s safety, the Chief Minister instructed strict action against suspicious and unruly elements to ensure a secure environment for women devotees. He also asked senior officers to inspect mela sites the same night and brief field staff to ensure all arrangements are in place.
Considering the severe cold wave, the CM ordered adequate night shelters, bonfires, and enhanced lighting at railway stations, bus stands and public places. He further directed all districts to prepare a detailed flood prevention action plan within 10 days, reinforcing the government’s focus on preparedness, public safety and law and order.
