Lucknow: Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has issued stringent directives to senior administrative and police officials regarding the upcoming Magh Mela and other festivals. During a high-level review meeting conducted via video conferencing on Friday evening, the Chief Minister emphasized that officials must be present on the ground rather than managing operations remotely. He stated that the safety and convenience of devotees remains the state government’s top priority and warned that negligence at any level would not be tolerated.
Addressing officials from key districts including Prayagraj, Varanasi, Ayodhya, Chitrakoot, Hapur (Garhmukteshwar), Mathura-Vrindavan, Farrukhabad, and Shahjahanpur, the CM outlined a comprehensive plan for crowd management and infrastructure. He specifically instructed senior officers to inspect the mela grounds Friday night itself and issue necessary orders to subordinates to finalize arrangements.
Focus on Devotee Convenience and Safety
With an estimated 15 to 25 lakh devotees expected in Prayagraj on Paush Purnima, the Chief Minister stressed the need for robust health services. He directed the administration to ensure adequate deployment of medical staff, ambulances, clean toilets, and drinking water facilities. To prevent accidents during holy dips, he ordered the deployment of divers at ghats and the installation of barricades in areas with deep water or strong currents.
The Chief Minister placed special emphasis on the safety of women. He instructed officials to set up changing rooms for women at ghats and ensure a fear-free environment. Police have been directed to identify and take strict action against anti-social elements in mela areas and public places. “The administration must ensure that no female devotee faces inconvenience or fear,” he asserted.
Crackdown on Overcharging and Anarchy
Taking a tough stance on exploitation, CM Adityanath ordered strict monitoring of service providers. He directed senior officials to ensure that boatmen do not charge arbitrary fees from devotees and that hotels do not engage in price gouging. He further stated that any organizations attempting to create anarchy, engage in hooliganism, or pressure the administration would face severe consequences. “There will be no compromise on law and order,” he affirmed.
Infrastructure and Civic Amenities
In view of the severe cold wave, the Chief Minister directed the arrangement of night shelters (Rain Baseras) and bonfires. He ordered enhanced lighting at railway stations, bus stands, and public places, instructing police to increase patrolling and guide homeless individuals to shelters so that no one is forced to sleep under the open sky.
The Urban Development and Panchayati Raj departments were tasked with intensifying sanitation drives, particularly in slum areas, to prevent infectious diseases. Additionally, to address traffic congestion, the CM ordered the removal of illegal taxi and bus stands and the relocation of street vendors to designated zones.
Long-term Planning and Development
Looking beyond immediate festival needs, the Chief Minister issued instructions for long-term infrastructure development. He directed the Public Works Department (PWD) to identify land for permanent helipads near district headquarters, circuit houses, and block headquarters to reduce reliance on temporary arrangements.
Furthermore, he instructed all districts to prepare flood protection plans within the next 10 days and submit them to the Chief Minister’s Office. He also reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance policy towards land mafia, stating that protecting the property of common citizens is the state’s responsibility.
Concluding the meeting, CM Adityanath called for inter-departmental coordination to ensure peace and order during the festive season. He also emphasized the need for effective public grievance redressal, instructing district-level officials to hold regular hearings and resolve complaints in a time-bound manner.
