Chief Minister highlights global media coverage and UNESCO’s remarks

Lucknow : Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, on Monday, emphasized the importance of decision-making in adversity, noting that many tend to defer challenges rather than face them. CM Yogi made the remark while addressing a gathering during a program on ‘Nation Building through the Successful Organization of Mahakumbh’ with officials from IIM and the Indian Postal Service. A film on the Mahakumbh was also screened at the event.

He said, “One must be prepared to face challenges patiently. This approach was demonstrated during the Mahakumbh, ensuring its safe and successful completion.”

He also highlighted the importance of effective communication and coordination with saints, devotees, and officials involved in the event.

Reflecting on the successful organization of the Prayagraj Kumbh in 2019, CM Yogi said that Kumbh has been an integral part of India’s heritage for thousands of years.

However, due to past mismanagement, it was often associated with chaos, stampedes, and filth. Determined to change this perception, the government adopted innovative approaches to ensure a well-organized and memorable event, he added.

He stressed that overthinking often becomes an excuse for inaction, whereas focusing on solutions leads to innovation. Innovation, he said, is the key to overcoming challenges.

Recounting an incident from the 2013 Kumbh, the Chief Minister shared how the then Prime Minister of Mauritius chose not to dip in the Ganges due to the river’s poor condition and instead bowed from a distance. This incident, he said, highlighted the shortcomings in the event’s management and inspired efforts to ensure a cleaner and well-organized Kumbh in 2019.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the challenges of maintaining hygiene during the Mahakumbh, held on the sandy banks of the Ganga. He pointed out that earlier, toilet facilities were set up directly on the sand, leading to foul smells, flies, mosquitoes, and diseases within a week or ten days.

To address this issue, the CM directed the construction of one lakh toilet tanks that could be cleaned regularly. He also ensured that no waste from these toilets would flow into the Ganga or Yamuna rivers, maintaining the sanctity of the waters.

Emphasizing the importance of security and crowd management, the CM stated, “The safe and successful completion of such a massive event depends on effective policing.”

He stressed that people must trust the police to ensure their safety. Recognizing the critical role of police behavior during crisis management, the government conducted specialized training courses for the police for four months to enhance their skills and readiness.

Addressing the challenges of large crowds, CM Yogi explained that proximity-based parking arrangements were made to manage the influx of devotees. Those arriving earlier could park within a 2-3 km radius of the Sangam, while latecomers had to park farther away, requiring them to walk up to 10 km.

Acknowledging the frustration this could cause, the CM praised the 2019 Prayagraj Kumbh for setting an example of cleanliness and good governance.

The CM admitted that the government had not anticipated the unprecedented turnout for the 2025 Mahakumbh, which far exceeded previous estimates. The number of devotees doubled compared to 2019, breaking all previous records and presenting new challenges for management and infrastructure.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted that twice the amount of work was undertaken in Prayagraj ahead of the 2025 Mahakumbh, earning the trust of the public and local representatives—a factor he deemed crucial for the event’s success. To accommodate the massive influx of pilgrims, the scale of the fair was significantly expanded.

The CM revealed that six separate parking zones spanning 5,000 acres were set up along each route, capable of accommodating six lakh buses and four-wheelers. However, anticipating an even larger crowd, additional parking and holding areas were developed in nearby districts such as Mirzapur, Bhadohi, Kaushambi, Jaunpur, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Chitrakoot, and Rae Bareli.

To prevent incidents like the 2013 stampede at the railway station that claimed 42 lives, the main junction and nine other railway stations, as well as airports, were upgraded.

Emphasizing the religious significance of the event, the CM stated, “Every devotee arrives with devotion and must be allowed a clear path to their destination.”

He warned that any attempt to obstruct this flow could lead to chaos in surrounding areas, heightening the risk of a stampede if adequate holding areas were unavailable.

The CM praised the discipline of the religious crowd, recounting how, during a stampede incident between 1:15 and 1:30 AM on January 28-29, the crowd of four crore people promptly formed a green corridor to facilitate emergency response within 15 minutes.

CM Yogi also highlighted the economic potential of such religious gatherings, stating that events like the Mahakumbh strengthen faith and contribute significantly to the state and national economy.

He pointed out that what was previously overlooked is now recognized for its economic benefits. The 2025 Mahakumbh, which commenced with the Paush Purnima bath on January 13 and concluded with Mahashivratri on February 26, presented unique logistical challenges.

Managing the massive crowd on the sandy banks of the Ganga required extensive infrastructure, including 500 km of checkered pathways, newly developed riverfronts, and 12 km of temporary and some permanent ghats.

The fair was extended beyond the traditional end on Basant Panchami for the first time, continuing until Mahashivratri. The number of devotees surged dramatically, with 1.5 to 1.75 crore people arriving daily after Mauni Amavasya, around three crore on Basant Panchami, and two crore on Magh Purnima. On regular days, the crowd consistently ranged between 1.5 to 1.75 crore, reflecting the immense scale and significance of the event.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath highlighted the remarkable global participation at the Mahakumbh, with dignitaries from over 100 countries, including the President, Vice President, Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Governors, Chief Ministers, and diplomats from 74 nations. The event also welcomed the King of Bhutan, ministers from 12 countries, entrepreneurs, film stars, and cricketers.

The CM remarked that everyone was deeply impressed by the grandeur and spiritual significance of the confluence.
Drawing a parallel to the teachings of the Bhagavad Gita, the CM said that just as God manifests in whatever form a devotee worships, the Mahakumbh was perceived differently by each visitor, reflecting the diversity of perspectives.

He also mentioned the coverage by leading international newspapers and the praise from UNESCO, which further emphasized the event’s global appeal. A digital tourist map was introduced to provide real-time information to visitors, enhancing their experience.

He added, “Additionally, 2,700 cameras with 360-degree capabilities were installed for comprehensive monitoring, managed through the ICCC. For the first time, an anti-drone system was deployed to ensure security.”

The CM emphasized that the Mahakumbh also served as a platform to promote the Prime Minister’s vision of ‘Ek Bharat-Shrestha Bharat’ (One India, Great India). He added, “People from diverse castes, religions, languages, and beliefs came together, taking holy dips at the same ghats, symbolizing unity in diversity.”‘

Highlighting the massive investments made, the CM revealed that the Central and State governments spent Rs 7,500 crore, out of which Rs 6,000 crore was dedicated to enhancing the infrastructure of Prayagraj and its surroundings.

He added, “As part of the development efforts, 12 heritage corridors were established to showcase Prayagraj’s rich cultural legacy, including sites like Akshayavat, Saraswati Koop, Maharishi Bhardwaj Ashram, Shringverpur, Nagvasuki Temple, Dwadash Madhav, and Lete Hanuman. These initiatives facilitated a smoother experience for the devotees and highlighted the city’s historical and spiritual significance.”

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath revealed that UNESCO had expressed interest in assessing the environmental impact of the Mahakumbh from 2023 onward. He added, “In response, stringent measures were implemented from day one to prevent drains or sewers from contaminating the Ganga and Yamuna rivers.”

Highlighting a significant achievement, the CM mentioned that Kanpur, a critical point for the Ganga River in Uttar Pradesh, previously saw four crore liters of sewage flowing into the river daily near Sisamau.

He added, “However, this issue was resolved three years ago, ensuring that no single drop of sewage enters the river. Similarly, the effluent discharge from drains in Jajmau, which had caused severe harm to the Ganga’s aquatic life, was controlled two years ago. CCTV cameras were installed on all drains to enhance monitoring, ensuring real-time oversight.”

The Chief Minister also addressed the purity of Ganga water, stating that the government challenged the CPCB, which ultimately acknowledged its cleanliness.

Emphasizing the economic significance of such large-scale events, the CM pointed out that the Mahakumbh is a major driver of employment and plays a transformative role in improving livelihoods.

He cited the example of an investor who made substantial profits, illustrating how diverse segments of society have found sustainable means of livelihood through the event.

The CM observed that the Mahakumbh embodies the idea that one’s experience is shaped by their mindset. He remarked: “Those who arrived with faith witnessed a profound expression of devotion, while others found opportunities for growth and prosperity.”

The CM concluded that the Prayagraj Mahakumbh teaches invaluable lessons in patience, environmental responsibility, and adherence to natural laws. He emphasized the need to connect with such events harmoniously and responsibly, ensuring that both spiritual and ecological balance are maintained.