Prayagraj:
In the midst of the grandeur and spiritual fervor of the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj, a potentially catastrophic incident was averted due to the swift and efficient response of the authorities. On January 19, 2025, a massive fire broke out at the Gita Press camp in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh area, triggered by the explosion of two gas cylinders. This incident, while causing significant material damage, was brought under control within an impressive 22 minutes, thanks to the advanced surveillance and response systems in place.
The Maha Kumbh 2025, which commenced on January 13 and will continue for 45 days, has already seen over 7 crore pilgrims take the holy dip at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers. Managing such a vast and dense crowd is a monumental task, but the Integrated Control Command Centre (ICCC) has been instrumental in ensuring smooth operations and preventing incidents.
The fire at the Gita Press camp was reported to the ICCC within seconds, and water tenders reached the location in just seven minutes. The fire, which spread rapidly and engulfed several tents, was extinguished in 22 minutes, a testament to the preparedness and efficiency of the emergency services. Despite the extensive damage, with 170 cottages destroyed and losses estimated in crores, there were no casualties reported.
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath promptly visited the scene to assess the situation and issue instructions to officials. Prime Minister Narendra Modi was also briefed on the incident, and the administration has pledged full cooperation in the aftermath. The incident highlights the critical role of the ICCC, which operates 24/7 with a dedicated call centre integrated with police helplines, women’s helpline, fire, and ambulance services.
The surveillance system at the Maha Kumbh 2025 is unprecedented, with over 3,000 cameras, including 1,800 AI-enabled cameras, and underwater drones monitoring the area. Four ICCCs, each manned by over 400 people, constantly watch live footage and data from hotspots to manage crowd density and pilgrim flow. This AI-driven surveillance has eliminated guesswork in crowd management, ensuring that all operations are based on real-time data.
The administration’s comprehensive approach includes over 60,000 police personnel and 56 police stations to ensure security and smooth operations. The ICCC also maintains regular contact with the Railways and roadways to monitor pilgrim influx data and predict congestion, further enhancing the safety and efficiency of the event.
In the face of such a significant incident, the resilience and coordination of the authorities and the community have been exemplary. As Gita Press trustee Krishna Kumar Khemka noted, “God has tested us, and we will pass this test. We are working with the utmost caution.” The Maha Kumbh 2025 continues, a celebration of faith and community, underscored by the dedication and preparedness of those ensuring its safe and successful conduct.
