KKN Gurugram Desk |  A major fire broke out on Sunday evening at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, destroying 40 huts and 6 tents in the camp area. Fortunately, no major casualties were reported, and the situation was brought under control swiftly. Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, who was present in Prayagraj at the time, personally visited the affected site and later briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incident.

Details of the Incident

The fire erupted around 4:10 PM in the kitchen of the Geeta Press camp, located near Karpatriji’s camp in Sector 19, which lies between the old and new railway bridges in the Maha Kumbh Mela area. The flames quickly engulfed nearby thatched huts and tents, owned by Shri Sanjeev Prayag, before emergency teams intervened.

Immediate Response and Evacuation

The Prayagraj District Magistrate, Ravindra Kumar Mandar, confirmed that the fire was brought under control by 5:00 PM with the help of 15 fire tenders and the coordinated efforts of fire brigade personnel, police, and administrative teams. Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma stated that all individuals in the affected area were evacuated safely.

Cause of the Fire

Preliminary investigations revealed that the fire started due to a gas leak from a small cylinder being used to make tea in the kitchen of the Geeta Press camp. The suspected cylinder blast caused the flames to spread rapidly, intensifying the blaze.

To prevent further risks, the Mela administration promptly removed all gas cylinders from the surrounding areas. Additional Director General (Prayagraj) Bhanu Bhaskar highlighted the use of modern firefighting equipment to quickly extinguish the fire and minimize damage.

Injury Report

Amid the chaos, one individual sustained a leg injury while fleeing the fire. He fell unconscious on the spot and was immediately rushed to Swaroop Medical College in Prayagraj. Officials have reported that his condition is stable and not life-threatening.

Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath’s Visit

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally visited the affected site to assess the damage and ensure all necessary assistance was provided to those impacted. Following his visit, he briefed Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the incident and discussed preventive measures to avoid such occurrences in the future.

Overview of Maha Kumbh 2025

The 2025 Maha Kumbh, which began on January 13, is a 45-day-long festival expected to attract over 40 crore pilgrims from across the world. The grand spiritual gathering is one of the largest religious events globally, featuring:

• 1.6 lakh tents for accommodation.
• 50,000 shops offering food, goods, and essentials.
• A series of holy dips, prayers, and cultural activities along the banks of the Sangam—the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the mythical Saraswati rivers.

Despite the fire incident, officials reassured that the arrangements for the ongoing Maha Kumbh remain intact, and the safety measures have been further strengthened to ensure the smooth functioning of the event.

Impact and Preventive Measures

The incident serves as a reminder of the challenges involved in managing a large-scale event like the Maha Kumbh. Given the presence of millions of pilgrims, ensuring safety remains a top priority for the authorities.

To mitigate future risks, the Mela administration has:

1. Strengthened Fire Safety Protocols: Deploying more fire safety equipment and teams across the venue.
2. Removed Hazardous Materials: All gas cylinders and combustible materials in the vicinity have been removed or replaced with safer alternatives.
3. Emergency Drills: Conducting regular drills to prepare teams for swift evacuation and fire containment.

Significance of Maha Kumbh

The Maha Kumbh holds immense religious and cultural significance for Hindus, symbolizing spiritual cleansing and salvation. Pilgrims from across India and the globe visit Prayagraj to take a holy dip in the Sangam, which is believed to wash away sins and grant liberation.

The 2025 Maha Kumbh is expected to witness peak gatherings on auspicious days such as Makar Sankranti, Mauni Amavasya, and Basant Panchami, drawing millions of devotees to the holy site.

While the fire incident at the Maha Kumbh 2025 in Prayagraj caused significant material damage, the quick response from the authorities ensured the safety of all pilgrims. With no casualties reported, the event continues as planned, reaffirming the resilience of both the organizers and the devotees.