A fire incident occurred early on Saturday, January 25, 2025, involving two parked vehicles near the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh. The fire broke out around 6:30 AM along the main road leading to the event, specifically affecting a Maruti Ertiga and a Hyundai Venue parked nearby. Fortunately, there were no injuries reported as a result of this incident.
Incident Details
According to Vishal Yadav, a fire services officer, the fire was quickly contained by six fire brigades and water tenders dispatched to the scene. The rapid response ensured that the blaze did not spread to nearby structures, despite the presence of slums in the vicinity. The cause of the fire is currently under investigation, but preliminary assessments suggest that extreme heat from the large number of vehicles parked for the Mela may have been a contributing factor.Yadav stated,
"We received information that a fire broke out in a Maruti Ertiga car at around 6:30 AM... No one was harmed in the fire" .
The Ertiga was completely burnt while the Venue sustained partial damage.
Context of Maha Kumbh Mela
This incident follows another fire at the Maha Kumbh Mela site just a week prior, on January 19, when an explosion from gas cylinders inside a tent led to significant damage. That fire resulted in around 70 to 80 huts and several tents being destroyed but also saw no casualties due to timely intervention by emergency services.The Maha Kumbh Mela, known as the world's largest spiritual gathering, has attracted millions of devotees. As of Friday evening, over 48.76 lakh devotees had visited the site since its commencement, with total attendance expected to exceed 450 million throughout the event.
Safety Measures
In light of these incidents, local authorities are emphasizing fire safety measures at the Mela. The Director General of Fire Services highlighted that extensive precautions have been implemented across the Kumbh area, including the establishment of numerous fire stations and posts to ensure rapid response capabilities. Local leaders have also called for heightened vigilance to prevent any future occurrences of such incidents. Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav urged authorities to take necessary actions to enhance safety protocols during this significant religious gathering. Overall, while the recent fire incident caused concern among attendees and locals alike, swift action by emergency services helped avert potential disasters and ensured public safety during this major event.
What measures are being taken to prevent future fires at the Mahakumbh Mela?
In response to recent fire incidents at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, authorities have implemented several comprehensive measures aimed at enhancing fire safety and preventing future occurrences. Here are the key steps being taken:
Enhanced Fire Safety Infrastructure
- Fire Stations and Personnel: A total of 53 fire stations and 20 fire posts have been established across the Mela grounds, with over 2,000 trained fire personnel deployed to ensure rapid response to any emergencies.
- Fire Hydrants: Approximately 4,300 fire hydrants have been strategically placed throughout the area to facilitate quick access to water for firefighting.
Inspection and Regulation of Structures
- Safety Inspections: All temporary structures, including tents and pandals, have undergone rigorous inspections. Authorities are enforcing the use of fire-resistant materials for construction and ensuring proper electrical wiring to prevent short circuits, which are a common cause of fires.
- Regulation of Gas Cylinders: The use of gas cylinders has been strictly regulated. Only trained personnel are allowed to handle them, and all cylinders must pass thorough inspections. Attendees are encouraged to use safer cooking alternatives when possible.
Public Awareness and Emergency Protocols
- Safety Campaigns: Ongoing public awareness campaigns aim to educate attendees about fire safety protocols. These include instructions on how to evacuate during emergencies and how to report potential hazards.
- Emergency Advisory: A detailed fire safety advisory has been issued, urging participants to avoid cooking inside tents and to refrain from using open flames. Attendees are instructed on how to alert others in case of a fire and the importance of knowing exit routes.
Technological Innovations
- Advanced Equipment: The administration has introduced firefighting robots, All-Terrain Vehicles (ATVs), and specialized firefighting boats that can utilize river water for extinguishing fires. These innovations enhance the capability to respond swiftly in various terrains within the Mela area.
- Mock Drills: Fire department officials are conducting mock drills to prepare both staff and attendees for potential fire incidents, ensuring that everyone knows how to react appropriately in emergencies.
Financial Commitment
The Uttar Pradesh government has allocated a budget of approximately Rs 131.48 crore for fire safety measures at the Mela, underscoring the commitment to ensuring a safe environment for millions of attendees.These measures reflect a proactive approach by authorities to safeguard participants at one of the world's largest spiritual gatherings, aiming to prevent any future incidents while maintaining a secure atmosphere for all devotees.
With inputs from agencies
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