In a shocking turn of events, fire once again ravaged the sprawling Magh Mela venue in Prayagraj within a day, marking the second such disaster in quick succession. The flames erupted around 8 PM, devouring several sleeping tents and food stalls in Sector 9 of the mela area, close to the Triveni Sangam.
Quick response from eight fire engines prevented a larger catastrophe, though the damage ran into lakhs. Pilgrims scrambled to safety as the fire spread fueled by dry thatch and gusty winds. ‘We evacuated over 200 people without injuries,’ confirmed a fire department spokesperson.
A top official attributed the fire to a spark from frayed electrical cables commonly used in temporary setups. ‘High power demand from air coolers, lights, and cooking appliances caused the short circuit,’ he detailed, highlighting how the surge in occupancy strained the infrastructure.
The previous day’s fire had already exposed vulnerabilities, destroying merchandise worth crores and injuring two vendors. Critics are slamming the event management for inadequate fire hydrants and narrow pathways hampering access. In response, the Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a high-level probe and suspended two electrical contractors.
Moving forward, authorities are installing advanced smoke detectors, conducting mock drills, and banning high-risk appliances in camps. The Magh Mela, part of the grand Maha Kumbh, draws believers from across the globe for its purifying dips. Despite the scares, the spiritual fervor remains unbroken.
Safety upgrades include 24/7 monitoring via drones and AI cameras. As Mauni Amavasya approaches, drawing record crowds, the focus sharpens on preventing repeats. This incident underscores the tightrope walk between tradition and modern safety in hosting the world’s biggest peaceful gathering.