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Published 19:24 IST, January 19th 2025

Authorities Rush to Provide Mattresses and Jackets as Fire Devastates Maha Kumbh Camp

Authorities are providing mattresses, jackets, and essentials after a massive fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela camp due to a cylinder blast.

Reported by: Digital Desk
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Authorities Rush to Provide Mattresses and Jackets as Fire Devastates Maha Kumbh Camp | Image: Video grab

Mahakumbh Nagar: A massive fire broke out at the Maha Kumbh Mela on Sunday due to a cylinder blast, destroying 18 tents in Sector 19 camp. Efforts are underway to assist affected devotees with mattresses, jackets, and other essentials at the site by the authorities.

No casualty was reported in the incident, the government said in a statement.

Kumbh Mela Chief Fire Officer Pramod Sharma said 15 fire tenders were pressed into service to contain the blaze which engulfed 18 tents.

"Fire has been doused and the situation in the area is under control," Sharma said. Earlier, Akhara Police Station In-charge Bhaskar Mishra said that two LPG cylinders exploded in Sector 19 of the Maha Kumbh Mela, causing a big fire in the camps.

Shelter Crisis Looms

Following the destruction of tents, providing shelter for the affected individuals has become a major challenge. Local residents at the scene are raising concerns about where the displaced people will be accommodated.

Authorities are working to assist affected devotees with mattresses, jackets, and other essentials at the site following the fire at the Maha Kumbh Mela.

Krishna Kumar Khemka, Trustee Geeta Press Gorakhpur, said, "This shivir is of Akhil Bharatiya Dharm Sangh and Gita Press, combined. We have built this with so much vigilance and all were prohibited from doing any kind of activity related to fire. Towards our west boundary - the area has been declared as circulating area. I don't know to whom the administration has given that area, 'uss taraf se agni ki koi cheej hamari taraf aayi'. It burnt all our cottage. Nothing is left. With the grace of god, there has been no causality..."

Senior officials are on the spot and fire teams have managed to douse the fire, the statement issued by the government here said.

The Maha Kumbh 2025 official X handle posted, "Very sad! The fire incident at #MahaKumbh has shocked everyone. The administration is ensuring immediate relief and rescue operations. We pray Maa Ganga for everyone's safety." It also shared a clip that showed a thick black column of smoke billowing out from the affected area.

In a post on X, the Samajwadi Party expressed its grief over the incident and asked the government to run relief and rescue operation in fast pace.

The 45-day Maha Kumbh 2025 started on Paush Purnima on January 13. More than 7.72 crore people have taken the holy dip, according to official figures available till Saturday.

Officials said that more than 46.95 lakh devotees took a dip at the Sangam on Sunday.

(with agency inputs)

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Updated 19:39 IST, January 19th 2025