Prayagraj, Feb 7 : A fire broke out today at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh, in Sector 18 of the Maha Kumbh Nagar area. Firefighters promptly reached the scene and have largely brought the blaze under control.
Inspector Yogesh Chaturvedi of Khak Chowk police station stated, “A fire broke out at a camp near Tulsi Chauraha on Old GT Road. However, firefighters have managed to bring the blaze largely under control.” No casualties have been reported.
The incident follows a fire last week in Prayagraj’s Chatnag Ghat area, where 15 tents were destroyed in an open area. No deaths were reported in that incident, and the tents were later identified as unauthorized.
Earlier, on January 29, a stampede at the Maha Kumbh resulted in 30 deaths and 60 injuries. The Uttar Pradesh government announced compensation of Rs 25 lakh for the families of the deceased and ordered a judicial inquiry. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has tasked a judicial committee with submitting its findings to the state government.
Despite these incidents, over 397.4 million pilgrims have participated in the Maha Kumbh, taking a holy dip at the sacred confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Saraswati rivers. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also participated in the ritual last Wednesday.
The Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, will conclude on February 26. The upcoming key ‘snan’ dates are February 12 (Maghi Purnima) and February 26 (Maha Shivaratri).
