As the Maha Kumbh 2025 approaches, one of the world’s largest gatherings, excitement among the people is burgeoning. With preparations underway across India for this historic event, the government of Uttar Pradesh is taking significant measures to ensure it is both grand and secure. Maha Kumbh is set to be an example of how vast gatherings can be secure and fruitful. In India, it is especially a primary concern, but fortunately, under the leadership of Hon'ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, extensive efforts are being made to ensure both the success and safety of the event. From physical security and technology-driven initiatives to comprehensive health, medical, and lost-and-found services, the 2025 Maha Kumbh will implement a wide range of precautionary measures to guarantee a safe and secure experience for everyone. Let's explore some of the key initiatives focused on securing this grand event. What Are The Security Measures For Maha Kumbh 2025? The Maha Kumbh is an event that draws millions of people from all over the world to Prayagraj. With such a large crowd, the security of attendees is the utmost priority. The authorities have planned a wide range of security measures aimed at protecting the pilgrims, preventing potential threats, and managing crowd control. Key initiatives include: Enhanced Security Measures The Uttar Pradesh government is deploying a massive security force for the 2025 Maha Kumbh, including around 50,000 police personnel. This is a significant increase of 40% more than the 2019 Kumbh. The personnel are going to be stationed throughout Prayagraj, ensuring that all potential security threats, including terrorist activities, cyber-attacks, rogue drones, and human trafficking, are effectively mitigated. To ensure a seamless and coordinated response, the authorities are working closely with experts from the Future Crime Research Foundation and have partnered with IIT Kanpur to focus on cybersecurity. This collaboration is going to provide cyber patrols to protect pilgrims from cyber fraud and crimes that often target individuals during such large gatherings. Additionally, drones and anti-drone systems are in place to monitor airspace and prevent unauthorised drone activity. Technology-Driven Initiatives Technology plays a crucial role in ensuring the safety and security of such a vast event. 2,700+ CCTV cameras are programmed to detect various potential threats, including crowd density, movement patterns, barricade breaches, and even fire or smoke alerts. The event is also going to feature a seven-layer security system to create multiple layers of protection for attendees. This includes surveillance at entry points, checkpoints at various zones, and enhanced monitoring across international, interstate, and local borders. By analysing live data from security cameras and drones, the authorities can swiftly respond to any security incidents. One of the most exciting technological innovations being implemented is the cyber world patrolling system. With the increasing risk of cyber fraud, especially in large gatherings like the Maha Kumbh, collaboration with IIT Kanpur is especially important. This initiative is going to ensure the safety of pilgrims from online scams, hacking, and other internet-related crimes. The authorities are monitoring social media platforms for any misleading or harmful content that could cause panic or unrest among the attendees. Health and Medical Safety In a gathering that may exceed millions, medical safety has a paramount importance. The government has invested ₹200 crore in acquiring equipment for disaster prevention and relief. Emergency medical camps and first-aid stations are going to be strategically placed across the venue to offer immediate care for any injuries or health issues. Disaster relief teams are also on standby to respond quickly in case of any emergencies. In addition to disaster management, specific fire safety measures are going to be in place. A total of 351 dedicated fire vehicles and more than 2,000 trained personnel are deployed throughout the event site, ensuring a rapid response to any fire-related incidents. Medical teams are also collaborating with disaster relief teams to ensure swift medical evacuations if necessary. Family Safety and Lost & Found Initiatives Prayagraj authorities are implementing a high-tech registration system with digital 'Khoya-paya' (lost-and-found) centres to help reunite missing individuals with their families during the 2025 Maha Kumbh Mela. This initiative is a collaboration between the Prayagraj Mela Authority and the Police Department, aiming to reduce cases of missing persons. These centres ensure that all visitors, especially vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly, stay safe and avoid separation from their families or groups. The system features digital registration, making it easier for families to track missing individuals. The lost-and-found system includes public announcements for missing persons, and their details are shared across other centres and on social media platforms like Facebook and X. If a person remains unclaimed for 12 hours, the police are ensuring they are safely cared for. Special protocols are going to be in place for children and women, requiring identity verification before release. Transportation and Crowd Control Managing the movement of millions of people in and around Prayagraj is a monumental task. To ensure smooth transportation during the Maha Kumbh, authorities have implemented advanced systems, including automatic number plate recognition to monitor traffic flow. With the help of AI, a well-organised crowd management system has been set up to maintain efficiency. For the first time, visitors have the opportunity to take helicopter rides and river cruises, offering aerial views of the vast Mela grounds or scenic cruises along the Ganga. Public transportation is also being closely monitored, with additional services to transport pilgrims to and from the event site. To accommodate the surge in visitors, UPSRTC has deployed over 7,000 buses, and Indian Railways has announced 20 additional 'Mela Special' trains. In addition, 102 parking areas, spanning around 1,900 hectares, have been established to accommodate approximately five lakh vehicles. These initiatives are providing an additional layer of safety at the Maha Kumbh 2025. Underwater Security Measures To ensure the safety of millions of pilgrims during the Maha Kumbh, a 12-kilometre stretch of the Ganga, including 50 bathing ghats, has been secured with a water barricading system made of floating blocks and nets. This measure is part of a broader safety strategy aimed at protecting visitors and preventing incidents. Additionally, 25 marine divers from the Indian Navy, Vizag, are going to be stationed around the clock to maintain vigilant surveillance and provide quick response in case of emergencies. For the first time, underwater drones have been deployed at the Maha Kumbh to strengthen safety measures further. This advanced technology, alongside other security protocols, is part of a comprehensive plan put in place by the Hon'ble Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath-led government to manage any emergencies effectively. The overarching objective is to ensure that the Maha Kumbh Mela, not only the largest spiritual gathering, remains one of the safest in history. Conclusion The 2025 Maha Kumbh is set to be one of the largest and most intricate gatherings in the world. With millions of pilgrims expected to attend, extensive safety measures are being implemented to ensure a secure environment, allowing visitors to fully immerse themselves in the spiritual and cultural significance of the event without concern for their personal safety. From a strong police force presence and advanced technology to cybersecurity protocols and disaster preparedness, every aspect of security has been meticulously planned. Authorities are working tirelessly to provide a safe experience for all attendees. As participants, it is equally important to stay informed about the security measures in place and cooperate with the authorities to help ensure a smooth and successful event for everyone.