Trainee IPS officers have joined forces with Uttar Pradesh Police personnel at the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj to assist in crowd control, security, and traffic management. This initiative is part of their field training, giving them practical exposure to these critical aspects of policing.
A total of 270 trainee IPS officers, including 70 women, have been assigned to the Uttar Pradesh Police for this event. By participating in these operations, the trainees will gain valuable on-ground experience and have the opportunity to interact with senior officials to learn about the extensive planning involved in managing such a large-scale event. This exercise is integrated into their curriculum, and earlier this year, Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath encouraged their participation in observing the event’s arrangements.
Security measures at the Mahakumbh were heightened during the last Amrit Snan on Basant Panchami, with over 60,000 personnel, including the IPS trainees, ensuring safety. The entire mela was under surveillance through 2,750 CCTV cameras, with live feeds sent to a central control room in Lucknow. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath personally supervised the operations from early morning.
To prevent overcrowding and avoid incidents like the Mauni Amavasya stampede, new security measures were implemented under ‘Operation 11.’ These included five barricaded spots at the Sangam and extra paramilitary forces stationed along key routes. Additionally, pilgrim access to religious sites during peak hours was restricted, and holding areas were established to manage excess crowds.
