UP Police to assist 40 crore devotees, putting a human face on

Prayagraj : The Yogi government in Uttar Pradesh is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the success of Mahakumbh 2025. Aligned with Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision, the UP Police are preparing to adopt a people-centric approach, setting a new benchmark for public service during this grand religious event.

In line with this vision, the state police have launched a comprehensive training program at the Sankalp Training Pandal, located at the Parade Ground in Prayagraj. With the motto “Suraksha Apki, Sankalp Humara” (Safety Yours – Commitment Ours), the initiative is designed to equip officers with the skills and mindset to assist millions of devotees, ensuring their safety while fostering a respectful and kind atmosphere.

The training, which runs until December, is being conducted in two batches over a span of 21 days. It emphasizes not only security measures, but also a polite and helpful approach, with the aim of ensuring that pilgrims leave Mahakumbh with memorable and pleasant experiences.

Notably, Maha Kumbh 2025, the world’s largest human gathering, is expected to draw around 40 crore people. On the main bathing day of Mauni Amavasya, an estimated 10 crore devotees will take a holy dip at the Sangam. The UP Police are entrusted with the responsibility to ensure the safety and smooth arrangements for such a massive crowd, including pilgrims, sadhus, and tourists. .

SSP Kumbh, Rajesh Dwivedi, mentioned that following CM Yogi’s vision, the UP Police are placing special emphasis not only on security, but also on treating devotees with kindness. To achieve this, a training program began in Prayagraj on October 16, focusing on both security measures and soft skills.

As part of the soft skills training, police personnel are learning how to assist pilgrims with information on parking, transportation, routes, and accommodations. They are also being trained on how to respectfully interact with sadhus and sanyasis attending the event.

Additionally, technology is being incorporated, with AI tools like the Bhashini app, which helps officers communicate with foreign tourists and pilgrims in their own languages. Along with this, information about chatbots is also being given to them so that every possible help can be given to the devotees in the fair.

Gender sensitization is a key focus of the training. Since it’s impossible to have female officers everywhere in the large crowd of women attending Maha Kumbh, male officers are being trained to act sensitively and offer assistance to women.

Special attention is also being given to water safety, with Water Police, ADRF, and SDRF personnel being trained to protect pilgrims during bathing and prevent accidents like drowning.

They will oversee the safe operation of boats and safety standards, while the traffic and civil police ensure a smooth flow of devotees to and from the bathing areas.

The UP Police’s goal for Maha Kumbh 2025 is to honor CM Yogi’s vision of a divine, grand, and safe event for all attendees.