"Officers, jawans on duty to ensure everything is under control": UP DGP on Maha Kumbh security

Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 14 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh DGP Prashant Kumar on Tuesday said the police department is continuously monitoring the situation to ensure everything remains under control during the Maha Kumbh.
"Since Sadhus from several Akharas take a holy dip today, it is called Amrit Snan. The 8th Akhara is taking a holy dip right now. Our officers and jawans are on duty to ensure everything is under control. Around 12 PM, 1.60 crore people have taken a holy dip. We are continuously monitoring the situation. Police response vehicles and Ambulances were present at the spot. Through thermal images, we were able to control the crowd during the night. Devotees are peacefully taking a holy dip at several places in the state on the occasion of Makar Sankranti," DGP Kumar said.
"PM Modi and CM Yogi had given instructions to use all the modern technologies and AI tools whether it is in crowd management or traffic management, underwater monitoring or our latest fire fighting equipment," he added.
DGP Kumar stated that all department officials are present on-site, and state officials are also in our control room to ensure security.
"All our department officials are staying on the spot, along with that, the state officials are here in our control room. There are 10 Lost and Found centres in total. Yesterday, we had a very good performance. All the lost people were reunited with their families. Wherever any person is lost, we take their screenshots and then match them. As soon as a person is found, we contact the nearest police station and then reunite them with their families," DGP Kumar said.

Additionally, underwater drones have been deployed for surveillance and rescue operations. This is the first time such a technology is being used in the country, as per Uttar Pradesh Police.
The Maha Kumbh Mela, one of the world's largest gatherings, witnessed a massive turnout on the occasion of Makar Sankranti on Tuesday, with millions of devotees taking a holy dip in the sacred waters of the Ganges at the Sangam.
Maha Kumbh is one of the largest and most significant religious congregation in the world, held every 12 years at one of four locations in India. It is taking place from January 13 to February 26, 2025.
The mega event, expected to attract 450 million devotees, tourists, and pilgrims from across the world offers a unique opportunity to showcase India's cultural, spiritual heritage and tourism potential.
The key 'snaan' dates include January 14 (Makar Sankranti - First Shahi Snan), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya - Second Shahi Snan), February 3 (Basant Panchami - Third Shahi Snan), February 12 (Maghi Purnima), and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri). (ANI)