To enhance the safety of devotees attending the Maha Kumbh, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has introduced a ‘water ambulance’ stationed at the Sangam. This special ambulance, equipped with essential medical facilities, will operate round-the-clock during the event to provide immediate care in emergencies.
NDRF Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Manoj Sharma described the water ambulance as a “roaming hospital” that is capable of swiftly navigating the Ganga to deliver on-the-spot medical treatment. “It is equipped with oxygen cylinders, emergency medicines, monitors, and other essential medical supplies. The water ambulance is designed for rapid response, ensuring immediate care for those in need. After the fair, it will be stationed at the NDRF center in Varanasi,” he said.
On Sunday, devotees were seen taking a holy dip at Triveni Sangam despite the cold and foggy conditions. The atmosphere remained festive, with devotees from all over the country gathered for the sacred ritual. Hemlata Tiwari, a devotee, shared with ANI, “It is extremely cold here, but we are enjoying a lot. Devotees from all across the country come here. I am very happy that I got this opportunity.”
To ensure the safety of the millions of devotees expected at the event, the Uttar Pradesh Police has implemented a comprehensive security system, dubbed “impenetrable security Chakravyuh.” More than 1,000 police personnel, including 71 inspectors, 234 sub-inspectors, and 645 constables, have been stationed at 102 checkpoints along seven routes connecting Prayagraj to surrounding areas.
Additional security measures include the deployment of 113 Home Guards/PRD jawans, three sections of the Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC), and advanced surveillance systems. These include five Vajra vehicles, 10 drones, four anti-sabotage teams, and underwater drones. In total, 2,700 AI-enabled cameras have been installed in and around the Maha Kumbh campsite to monitor the area and detect potential threats.
The Maha Kumbh, celebrated every 12 years, is expected to attract over 45 crore devotees. The sacred event culminates in bathing rituals at the Sangam, the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the now-extinct Saraswati rivers. The main Shahi Snan dates are January 14 (Makar Sankranti), January 29 (Mauni Amavasya), and February 3 (Basant Panchami), with the event concluding on February 26.
