Prayagraj – As Mahakumbh 2025 concluded, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath addressed a special assembly of police officers at Ganga Mandapam on Thursday. He expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership and the unwavering dedication of the police force, crediting them for making Mahakumbh the largest and most significant event in history.
CM Yogi commended the discipline and perseverance of the police officers and announced that 75,000 personnel who served during Mahakumbh would receive the ‘Mahakumbh Seva Medal’ and a citation. Additionally, all officers would be granted a week’s vacation, while non-gazetted officers would receive a special incentive of Rs 10,000.
A Monumental Event with Global Recognition
The Chief Minister acknowledged the complexity of organizing Mahakumbh and praised the collective efforts of the police in ensuring its success. “We took it to new heights, but an event of this scale presented significant challenges. Instead of making excuses, we sought solutions and created new opportunities. As a result, Mahakumbh 2025 became the world’s largest event,” CM Yogi stated.
He emphasized that Mahakumbh has become a symbol of India’s rich cultural diversity and economic growth, aligning with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of a “Divine, Grand, and Digital Kumbh.” Addressing critics, he remarked, “Only those who have truly experienced Mahakumbh can comprehend its scale and significance. It is easy to sit in a corner and criticize.”
Unprecedented Economic Impact
CM Yogi highlighted the significant economic boost generated by the event. He revealed that the Uttar Pradesh government’s investment of Rs 7,000 crore resulted in an unprecedented economic surge of Rs 3.5 lakh crore. “Faith and economic progress have never been so closely linked anywhere else in the world,” he noted.
The Chief Minister credited the police force for maintaining law and order amid the massive influx of devotees. Despite Prayagraj’s resident population of 25 lakh, an estimated 1.5 to 2 crore people attended Mahakumbh daily, culminating in a total footfall of 66.3 crore devotees.
According to CM Yogi, Mahakumbh 2025 attracted a distinguished list of attendees, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Governors of all states, Chief Ministers, ambassadors from 100 countries, and heads of state from 12 nations. He praised the police, paramilitary forces, home guards, PRD, water police, traffic police, NDRF, SDRF, and PAC for their exceptional service, which was widely recognized.
Police Reforms and Improved Working Conditions
Reaffirming his commitment to police reforms, CM Yogi recounted his efforts to improve working conditions since taking office in 2017. “I was appalled by the poor conditions in police lines, where personnel slept under broken roofs. I took immediate action, and today, the largest police barracks are being constructed in every district,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted key achievements, including the reinstatement of 54 dissolved PAC companies, the formation of three women’s battalions, and the recruitment of 1.56 lakh police officers, with the hiring process for an additional 60,000 underway. Plans are also in place to recruit 30,000 more officers.
Comparing the state’s past security situation with the present, CM Yogi noted, “In 2017, Uttar Pradesh struggled with riots, mafia rule, and instability. Today, it is a prime destination for investment. The very mafia who once roamed as VIPs now shudder when confronted by our police.”
Efficient Crowd Management and Security
During Mahakumbh, the police played a crucial role in crowd control and emergency response. The Chief Minister praised their swift action in handling medical emergencies, citing the creation of green corridors that ensured injured individuals received treatment within 15 to 20 minutes. He also highlighted the efficient handling of fire incidents, ensuring no casualties.
CM Yogi underscored Mahakumbh’s role in enhancing India’s global reputation and Uttar Pradesh’s national identity. He congratulated the police personnel for their dedication, noting that between January 28 and 30 alone, 15 crore people visited Mahakumbh. “This is a testament to your efficiency and sensitivity. Every devotee who came took a dip in the Sangam, felt spiritually enriched, and left with gratitude,” he said.
Encouraging police officers who had not yet taken a holy dip at the Sangam, he urged them to do so and to carry the sacred water home as a blessing. Following his address, CM Yogi personally thanked the police officers and shared a meal with them in recognition of their tireless service.
