Swift Action Prevents Disaster Amid Fire at Maha Kumbha Mela
In a shocking turn of events at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, a fire broke out at the Geeta Press camp near Karpatriji’s camp in Sector 19, situated between the old and new railway bridges. The incident occurred at around 4:10 PM on Sunday, creating chaos among the visitors and residents in the area. However, swift actions from the administration and fire brigade ensured the situation was brought under control without any major casualties.
According to Prayagraj District Magistrate Ravindra Kumar Mandar, “The fire has been extinguished, and there is no information about any casualties. The situation is under control.”
Incident Details and Immediate Response
The fire is believed to have started due to a gas leak while using a small cylinder to make tea in the kitchen of the Geeta Press camp. The flames spread rapidly, engulfing nearby huts and tents belonging to Shri Sanjeev Prayag. Within moments, the fire brigade, police, and administrative teams were on-site, successfully evacuating the area.
Chief Fire Officer (Kumbh Mela) Pramod Sharma stated, “Fifteen fire tenders were deployed to contain the blaze, and everyone was safely evacuated.”
Modern firefighting equipment was used to douse the flames, as highlighted by Additional Director General (Prayagraj), Bhanu Bhaskar. As a precaution, all gas cylinders in the affected area were removed to avoid further escalation.
Injuries and Ongoing Investigations
Amid the chaos, one person sustained a leg injury while fleeing the site and fell unconscious. He was immediately admitted to Swaroop Medical College in Prayagraj. Officials have confirmed that his condition is stable and non-life-threatening.
Leadership’s Quick Reaction
Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was in Prayagraj at the time, visited the affected area to assess the situation. He also briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incident. Their proactive approach reassured the public of the government’s commitment to ensuring safety at the massive religious gathering.
Significance of Maha Kumbh 2025
The ongoing 45-day Maha Kumbh Mela, which began on January 13 and will conclude on February 26, is expected to attract around 40 crore pilgrims. Spread across a sprawling area, the event features over 1.6 lakh tents and 50,000 shops catering to the devotees. Despite the fire, the spirit of the event remains undeterred, with authorities ensuring safety and security measures are in place.
This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of preparedness and quick action in managing large-scale events. While the flames may have caused disruption, the calm and efficient response by the authorities prevented what could have been a significant disaster.
