Kumbh Mela stampede raises pressing questions about crowd control

Given that this Kumbh has been widely recognised as “Digital Kumbh”, with extensive use of drones and AI-based monitoring systems, it is imperative to examine why real-time crowd density assessments failed to prevent situation from escalating

Ambulances make way at Maha Kumbh Mela after a stampede at Sangam ghat on Mauni Amavasya in Prayagraj on January 29, 2025. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

Written by: O P Singh

4 min readJan 30, 2025 11:59 AM IST First published on: Jan 30, 2025 at 11:27 AM IST

At the Maha Kumbh mela at Prayagraj, a sorrowful tragedy unfolded on the auspicious occasion of Mauni Amavasya. Having been closely associated with this grand event — first as the SP city in 1989, then as SSP in 1995, and finally as DGP during the 2019 Kumbh — I have witnessed firsthand the intricate challenges of managing what is undeniably the largest congregation of humanity on earth. At the heart of Kumbh mela’s operational success lies not just crowd management but equally critically crowd dispersal. The sheer volume of devotees, moving as a non-violent sea of faith, demands a dual approach — one of continuous, sensitive appeals combined with firm, consistent enforcement.

The complexity of controlling such an enormous gathering on peak days is a formidable challenge, requiring meticulous pre-planning, real-time assessment, and swift execution of contingency measures. History has shown that even minor deviations from pre-determined traffic and movement plans can escalate into crises. I recall a particular instance in 2019 when, on the auspicious Mauni Amavasya day, a breach of one-way movement on Kali Marg twice led to a near-stampede situation. Timely intervention by senior police officers and the implementation of an emergency traffic regulation plan helped avert disaster. One of the key strategies was the establishment of four dedicated holding areas, each capable of accommodating 100,000 people with a structured dispersal time of 45 minutes. Such measures reinforce the fundamental principle that systematic movement, rather than uncontrolled congregation, is the key to ensuring safety.

People rest near the Ganga river during Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. (Express photo by Chitral Khambhati)

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The cornerstone of any successful Kumbh mela operation is not just the effective regulation of incoming crowds but, more crucially, the swift and systematic dispersal of devotees after their holy dip. A congregation of such magnitude cannot afford stagnation. The longer a crowd lingers in a high-density zone, the greater the risk of a crisis. The fundamental principle is simple: The faster the dispersal, the safer the congregation. Unfortunately, this tragedy underscores the critical gap in executing this, reinforcing the need for a more dynamic dispersal strategy that prioritises rapid movement without causing panic. The unfortunate incident this year raises pressing questions about the execution of crowd control strategies.

Reports suggest that a significant number of devotees took multiple dips at Sangam in quick succession, leading to congestion that could have been mitigated with stricter ground enforcement. Additionally, unchecked overnight camping at Sangam Nose before the auspicious bathing hours posed a latent risk — one that should have been addressed through a combination of public advisories and decisive action. Given that this Kumbh has been widely recognised as a “Digital Kumbh”, with extensive use of drones and AI-based monitoring systems, it is imperative to examine why real-time crowd density assessments failed to prevent the situation from escalating. The integration of technology into crowd management should translate into proactive, data-driven decision-making, enabling authorities to foresee and diffuse potential bottlenecks before they become unmanageable.

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As we reflect on this tragedy, the need for a more dynamic and adaptive approach to crowd management becomes evident. Kumbh mela is not just a test of administrative acumen but also of the ability to harmonise faith-driven gatherings with scientific planning. While the devotion of millions cannot be constrained, it must be channelled safely through structured movement, disciplined dispersal, and unwavering enforcement of regulations. Anything less is an invitation to disaster. And this is perhaps what happened.

Faith and governance must work in tandem. While devotion cannot be controlled, it must be guided, structured and safeguarded with unwavering enforcement. The lesson from this tragedy is stark — managing the world’s largest congregation requires not just meticulous planning but relentless execution of crowd dispersal strategies. The true success of Kumbh lies not just in managing inflow but ensuring a safe and seamless outflow.

The writer is former director general of Uttar Pradesh Police

# Maha Kumbh Mela 2025