Mounted Police At Maha Kumbh 2025: Key Roles In Security And Crowd Control

As Maha Kumbh 2025 approaches, starting from January 13 and running until February 26, the authorities are making extensive preparations to ensure the event runs smoothly and safely for millions of devotees.

One of the key aspects of maintaining order during the event is the role of mounted police, who will be an integral part of the security and management operations.

Photo Credit: PTI

Mounted Police at Maha Kumbh: Key Responsibilities

Mounted police have a long-standing tradition of playing a crucial role in crowd control during large-scale events like Maha Kumbh. Their unique advantage lies in the height offered by their horses, allowing officers to oversee and manage large crowds more effectively. This year, around 130 horses and 165 horsemen have been deployed to assist in a variety of tasks:

• Crowd Control: One of the primary roles of mounted police is to manage large crowds, ensuring smooth movement and preventing congestion. With millions of devotees attending, especially during the royal bath rituals, these officers will be essential for maintaining order.
• Traffic Management: Due to the high volume of people, traffic around the Kumbh Mela can become chaotic. Mounted police will help manage and redirect traffic to avoid congestion, ensuring that both the flow of devotees and vehicles remains smooth.
• Clearing Ghats for Royal Bath: The traditional royal bath held by Akhadas requires meticulous planning and preparation. The mounted police will clear the ghats, ensuring that the designated areas remain accessible and safe for the procession of devotees.
• Emergency Assistance: In case of medical emergencies, mounted police will quickly navigate through the crowd to transport patients to hospitals or healthcare centers, where vehicles may not be able to access.

Special Training and Horse Breeds for Maha Kumbh

To ensure peak performance during the event, the horses used by mounted police have been specially trained. Out of the 130 horses, 107 have arrived so far and are undergoing rigorous training. The horses are being prepared for tasks ranging from crowd control to emergency response.

Notably, the mounted police will use various breeds of horses suited for different purposes:

• English Breed: Around 40 of the horses are of English breed, known for their strength and agility.
• American Warmbloods: Five of the horses are American warmbloods, known for their ability to intuitively respond to their rider's commands, making them ideal for handling complex situations.
• Kathiawadi Horses: Known for their strength and endurance, Kathiawadi horses are reminiscent of the breed ridden by Maharana Pratap, making them well-suited for tough conditions.
• Marwari and Amritsari Horses: Other breeds like Marwari and Amritsari horses are also part of the force, adding diversity and resilience to the team.

Unique Challenges and the Role of Doctors

The geographical conditions of the Maha Kumbh Mela area require the horses to adapt to the environment. Mounted police patrol the area regularly to help the horses adjust, ensuring they are prepared for their duties during the fair. Additionally, doctors have been appointed to look after the health of the horses, monitoring their diet and physical well-being as they work.

Conclusion

Mounted police will play a pivotal role in ensuring that the Maha Kumbh 2025 is safe and well-organized. With their training, diverse breed selection, and critical responsibilities, the mounted police force will not only assist with crowd control but will also offer emergency services, traffic management, and support for the traditional rituals of the Kumbh Mela. Their presence highlights the blend of tradition and modern security measures that ensure the smooth execution of this spiritual mega-event.