© The Indian Express Pvt Ltd
Tags:
Journalism of Courage
IN VIEW of the Magh Purnima Snan at the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh on Wednesday, the Maha Kumbh Police have introduced a special traffic plan by making entire Mela area a ‘no-vehicle zone’ to ensure smooth movement and safety of devotees.
“The entire Mela area has been declared a ‘no-vehicle zone’ starting from 4 am on Tuesday, with entry restricted only to essential and emergency services. All private and public vehicles arriving in Prayagraj after 4 am Tuesday are being directed to designated parking areas along their respective routes,” an official said.
“This measure aims to prevent traffic congestion in Prayagraj city and allow pilgrims to reach the bathing ghats conveniently on foot,” the official added.
From 5 pm on Tuesday, the ‘no-vehicle zone’ will be expanded to the entire Prayagraj city. Only emergency services will be exempted from
this regulation.
This special traffic plan will remain in effect until the completion of the Magh Purnima snan, ensuring the safe departure of pilgrims from the fairgrounds.
The same rules will also apply to the vehicles of devotees observing Kalpavas. The administration has urged all Kalpavasis to comply with the guidelines and use only authorized parking facilities.
Authorities have also appealed to visitors to follow traffic regulations and cooperate with officials to ensure a seamless and orderly bathing festival at the Maha Kumbh.
Meanwhile, state-of-the-art medical services have also been arranged across the Maha Kumbh area, offering facilities for procedures ranging from minor operations to major surgeries, a statement issued by the government said.
A total of 133 ambulances have been strategically deployed and these includes 125 road ambulances, seven river ambulances and one air ambulance have been specially deployed, said an official, adding that moreover, over 2,000 medical personnel have been deployed within the Maha Kumbh area, with an additional 700 staff members on high alert at Swaroop Rani Nehru (SRN) Hospital.
The new measures come hours after Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath held a video-conference meeting with senior officials of several districts bordering Prayagraj to assess the situation.
Acting on the CM’s instructions, SRN Hospital in Prayagraj has reserved 250 beds and secured 200 units of blood to address potential emergencies, an official said.
All 43 hospitals in Maha Kumbh Nagar, each with a 500-bed capacity, have been fully prepared to handle the influx of patients.
The SRN hospital has reserved a 40-bed trauma centre, a 50-bed surgical ICU, a 50-bed medicine ward, a 50-bed PMSSY ward and a 40-bed burn unit. Additionally, a 10-bed cardiology ward and a 10-bed ICU are fully operational.
For smooth functioning of medical services, 30 senior doctors have been assigned duties. They are supported by 180 resident doctors and over 500 nursing and paramedical staff, all working continuously. The hospital administration has issued strict instructions to housekeeping agencies to maintain impeccable cleanliness standards.
Dr Vatsala Mishra, principal of Swarooprani Nehru Hospital, said the hospital is “fully prepared” for the Purnima Snan.
She assured that the hospital is equipped with all necessary resources, expert doctors, nursing staff, and advanced medical equipment. She said that the entire team is committed to providing the best healthcare services to devotees and patients. The hospital administration has urged the public to visit the facility immediately in case of any health issue, where high-quality and free medical services will be available 24×7.
In collaboration with the AYUSH department, 150 medical personnel, including 30 specialist doctors, have been deployed to serve the devotees. Medical experts from AIIMS Delhi and BHU are also on alert.
