Maha Kumbh 2025 Fire Advisory: UP Govt Issues Comprehensive Safety Guidelines After Cylinder Blast Incident

In an effort to enhance safety measures at the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj, the Uttar Pradesh government has issued a comprehensive fire safety advisory to all camp participants. The guidelines stress the importance of immediate action in the event of a fire, advising attendees to promptly notify the Mela control, local police, and fire stations through designated emergency numbers. Furthermore, the advisory highlights the necessity of maintaining a calm demeanor during crises, urging the use of nearby fire-fighting equipment from a secure distance to manage flames effectively.

The guidelines also underscore the importance of being prepared for emergencies by familiarizing oneself with the closest exit routes and ensuring that fire-fighting tools are readily identifiable and accessible for use. Additionally, the advisory emphasizes the need to keep water and sand near tents to aid in extinguishing fires and advises making quick decisions to evacuate children safely by cutting tent ropes or strings to prevent fire spread.

In cases of gas cylinder fires, the advisory recommends keeping the cylinder upright while attempting to douse the flames with a wet cloth or fire extinguisher and taking measures to halt any gas leaks. It also calls for efforts to battle the blaze with available resources until emergency services arrive to assist in evacuation and firefighting. The advisory strongly advises against storing flammable substances such as petrol, kerosene, and diesel inside tents, as well as the use of non-standard or leaking gas cylinders.

To further enhance safety, the guidelines prohibit the use of open flames inside tents, including stoves and havan kunds. It warns against the addition of oil to burning lamps or stoves and advises against outdoor cooking in strong winds. The advisory also discourages the recording of videos during a fire, advocating instead for prioritizing assistance to those in need.

The issuance of this advisory is timely, following a recent fire incident at the Maha Kumbh Mela, reportedly caused by a cylinder blast, which was promptly controlled by emergency services. Amid these safety initiatives, the Maha Kumbh Mela continues to draw vast numbers of devotees, with over 2 million individuals having participated in the holy dip at Triveni Sangam in Prayagraj to date. This event underscores the local authorities' commitment to ensuring the well-being of all attendees through proactive safety measures and emergency preparedness.