Allahabad: A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed before the Supreme Court under Article 32 of the Constitution, alleging failure of authorities in preventing stampedes at large religious gatherings, particularly the recent tragedy at Mahakumbh 2025 in Uttar Pradesh.
The petition filed by Advocate Vishal Tiwari contends that despite past tragedies, including the 1954 Kumbh Mela stampede, no substantial improvements have been made in administrative planning and execution to prevent such incidents. It asserts that the Central and State Governments bear absolute liability for ensuring public welfare and safety during mass gatherings like the Kumbh Mela, reported verdictum.in. The petitioner has urged the apex court to direct the government to take up immediate measures to avoid such situations.
Here’s what has changed after the tragedy
A day after 30 people died and 60 others were left injured in a stampede at the Sangam area of the Mahakumbh in Uttar Pradesh’s Prayagraj, the state government has introduced strict measures in an attempt to prevent further stampede. From declaring the entire fair area a No-Vehicle Zone to cancellation of VVIP passes, here’s what measures have been taken up.
Complete No-Vehicle Zone: Entry of all types of vehicles is strictly prohibited at the fair site.
VVIP Passes Cancelled: No special passes will allow vehicle entry, barring exceptions.
One-Way Route: A one-way traffic system has been implemented to streamline movement of devotees.
Curbs on vehicle entry: Vehicles arriving from neighboring districts of Prayagraj are being stopped at district borders to reduce traffic jam.
Strict curbs until February 4: Entry of four-wheelers into the city is completely banned until Feb 4
Officials put to task: IAS officers Ashish Goyal and Bhanu Goswami have been directed to reach Prayagraj immediately to strengthen crowd management efforts. Both bureaucrats had played a key role in managing the 2019 Ardh Kumbh along with Vijay Kiran.
