CM: Those who were responsible for the chaos in 2013 are today criticizing Mahakumbh 2025

Lucknow : During the Assembly’s Budget session on Wednesday, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath provided a detailed account of the grand and meticulously planned Mahakumbh 2025 while highlighting the administrative failures of Kumbh 2013 under the previous government.

Criticizing the corruption and mismanagement of the 2013 Kumbh under Samajwadi Party rule, CM Yogi highlighted its severe administrative lapses. In contrast, he emphasized that Mahakumbh 2025 is being organized with world-class infrastructure and meticulous planning to provide devotees with a seamless and enriching experience.

Criticizing the opposition, he remarked that those responsible for the chaos in 2013 are now questioning Mahakumbh 2025. He recalled the tragic stampede at Prayag station in 2013, following which the then Chief Minister directed his ire at the central government. He said that the then state government failed to procure adequate funds from the central government, accusing also of large scale corruption in the allocated budgets.
He also referred to the 2014 CAG report, highlighting large-scale expenditure corruption.

Drawing a comparison between the two events, CM Yogi stated that religious traditions determine the duration of Kumbh, and this time, it will be organized for 45 days instead of 55 days in 2013. The scale of the event has also significantly expanded—while the 2013 Kumbh was held across 1,936 hectares (less than 5,000 acres), Mahakumbh 2025 will span over 10,000 acres. Additionally, sectors increased from 14 in 2013 to 25 in 2025.

Infrastructure has also seen a major upgrade, particularly in parking facilities. In 2013, only 635 hectares were designated for parking, whereas the area has been expanded to 1,850 hectares, accommodating over 6 lakh four-wheelers.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath underscored the remarkable infrastructure development and cleanliness measures undertaken for Mahakumbh 2025, starkly contrasting it with the dismal state of affairs in 2013.

He pointed out that in 2013, Prayagraj lacked permanent ghats, a riverfront, or even a ROB. However, by 2019, 9 ROBs and six underpasses had been constructed. He said, “For Mahakumbh 2025, the government has built 14 flyovers, nine permanent ghats, and seven riverfronts. The length of temporary ghats, a mere 4 km in 2013, has now been extended to 12 km.”

Addressing transportation improvements, CM Yogi highlighted that in 2013 there were no shuttle bus services for devotees, whereas 550 shuttle buses have been deployed this time. He said, “The number of roadway buses has also seen a massive jump from 2,300 in 2013 to 7,000 in 2025. Additionally, the number of bus stands in Prayagraj has increased from 3 to 7, and extensive work has been done on road expansion. While only 55 km of roads were widened in 2013, in 2019, 125 roads were upgraded from 2-lane to 4-lane and from 4-lane to 6-lane. For 2025, more than 200 roads have been widened to ensure smooth traffic flow.”

The Chief Minister also highlighted the stark improvement in the cleanliness of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. He recalled how 2013 pollution levels were so severe that the Prime Minister of Mauritius refused to take a dip in the Ganga. He said, “In contrast, for 2025, 261 MLD of sewage is being treated by tapping 81 drains, significantly improving water quality.”

He cited a UP Pollution Control Board report, stating that during January and February, the faecal coliform level at Sangam Nose was within the permissible limit of less than 2,500 MPN per 100 ml. He added, “The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has also confirmed that the water meets cleanliness standards. Both the UPPCB and CPCB are continuously monitoring water quality, and according to the latest reports, the water at Sangam is now fit for bathing and drinking.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath emphasized that, for the first time in Kumbh’s history, Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Chatbots have been integrated, offering assistance in 11 languages. A Digital Experience Center has been established, and QR codes have been introduced for streamlined information access. Security has been significantly enhanced with 2,700 CCTV cameras and 20 drones monitoring the event.

Comparing the well-planned Mahakumbh 2025 with the mismanaged and corruption-ridden 2013 Kumbh, CM Yogi revealed shocking irregularities from the past. He pointed out that despite the Central Government allocating Rs 1,141.63 crore and the State Government spending Rs 10.57 crore, 59% of the work remained incomplete before the fair began.

According to the CAG report of 2014, in 2013, when the devotees were taking a holy dip on one hand, the administration was immersed in corruption. He said, “In 2013, many contractors were given undue benefits by giving crores of rupees, there was a huge shortage of toilets, and crores of rupees were spent without technical approval.”

He added, “Rs 46.68 crore was released without testing in the name of road widening and repair. In 2013, material worth Rs 9 crore 1 lakh was purchased without any requirement. Crores of rupees were given to 23 contractors for undue benefits. The lack of toilets was to such an extent that, on average, 900 people had to use one toilet daily. There was also no wall between the women’s and men’s toilets. Samples were taken from only nine taps to check drinking water quality. There were no changing rooms on the ghats, nor were ambulances arranged.”

CM Yogi said, “More than 1.5 lakh toilets, 500 km of checkered plates, 30 pontoon bridges, 2000 changing rooms, 125 ambulances, seven river ambulances, one air ambulance, 7000 sanitation workers, 2500 Gangadoot, 5000 Kumbh Seva Mitras and 10,000 other employees have been included in the arrangements for the 2025 Mahakumbh.”

He added, “More than 75,000 police officers and employees have been deployed for security and traffic. More than 2700 CCTVs and 20 drone cameras have been installed in Mahakumbh 2025. A pipeline of 1250 km has been laid to ensure the supply of pure drinking water, and a new water police fleet has been deployed. A special campaign is being run to ban single-use plastic, and six thousand beds have been arranged in hospitals.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath announced that the Central and State Governments have allocated Rs 7,500 crore for Mahakumbh 2025. Of this, Rs 1,500 crore has been dedicated to organizing the event, while the remaining funds have been used for expanding Prayagraj’s infrastructure.

Highlighting the city’s transformation, he stated, “Prayagraj now has six aerodromes, up from just two, significantly enhancing air connectivity. As a result, over 750 flights, planes, and charter aircraft have already landed in the city. The Indian Railways also plays a crucial role, with over 3,000 special trains running to accommodate the influx of pilgrims. Senior officials, including the Chairman, General Manager, and DRM of the Railway Board, are actively coordinating with the local administration to ensure seamless arrangements.”

CM Yogi emphasized that Mahakumbh 2025 is emerging as a global symbol of India’s strength and Uttar Pradesh’s pride. The event is witnessing participation from the President of India, industrialists, judges, celebrities, and lakhs of devotees worldwide. He noted that every visitor has lauded the arrangements, and the event elevates Sanatan culture’s prestige on the global stage.

Taking a swipe at the opposition, CM Yogi criticized them for spreading unnecessary propaganda, even though many personally visited Mahakumbh for the holy dip.

He remarked that those indulging in false narratives are not working in the state or the nation’s interest. Reaffirming the government’s commitment, he declared that Mahakumbh 2025 will be a resounding success, further solidifying Uttar Pradesh’s and India’s reputation on the world stage.