Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said on Friday, “We have asked the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy (NPA) to send officers to the Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj to learn crowd management.”
“The one thing that has stood out this time is police behaviour. We deployed young police officers for Maha Kumbh duty after training them. We have also written to the Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel National Police Academy to send young officers here to study crowd management and other varied aspects associated with a mega arrangement of this kind,” Adityanath told senior journalists at his 5, Kalidas Marg residence on Friday evening.
“Where else would they (young officers) get an opportunity of this nature to study so much, learn so much directly on the spot?” he asked.
Adityanath also said most leading global institutions are currently conducting studies and research on various aspects of the Maha Kumbh, which began in Prayagraj on January 13.
“Many top global institutes are studying various aspects of this edition of Maha Kumbh-2025,” he said highlighting the significance of the event and the international attention it is drawing.
On the possibility of high-profile politicians, including Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi, visiting the Kumbh for a ritual dip, Adityanath responded positively: “It’s great; everyone is welcome.”
The CM also boasted about the growing tourism circuit that links Varanasi, Prayagraj, and Ayodhya. “Anyone visiting Prayagraj for the Kumbh also visits Kashi and Ayodhya. Together, they form a new tourism triangle,” he said,.
“This year’s Maha Kumbh stands out for its cleanliness and the professionalism of our police forces,” the Chief Minister remarked.
In a notable gesture, Adityanath revealed that special care is being taken to support the children of the sanitation workers employed during the Kumbh. “We have arranged for books, pullovers, and bags for their children,” he added.
Meanwhile, the use of AI technology at the event is another area where Adityanath sees great potential, a continuation of the 2019 Kumbh’s “technological innovations.” The state has apparently expanded its use of AI cameras this year to track visitors, a measure that seems to prioritize monitoring people over perhaps, addressing more immediate concerns regarding their safety and well-being.
Adityanath also discussed the economic significance of the event, drawing a picture of its potential impact. “If 45 crore people attend the Maha Kumbh and spend just Rs 5,000 each, the economic activity generated over these 45 days is substantial,” he said.
In response to a query about the demand for a Sanatan Board, Adityanath dismissed the idea, suggesting that the concept of Sanatan is beyond such formal institutions. “Sanatan is eternal, timeless, ageless! One should not equate it with institutions like Waqf Board.”
