Uttarakhand govt launches toll-free helplines for Mahakumbh pilgrims

The Uttarakhand government has issued toll-free numbers to assist its citizens attending the Mahakumbh in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh.

Announcing the initiative on X, the office of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated, "In continuation of the instructions of the Honourable Chief Minister Shri @pushkardhami ji, toll-free numbers have been issued by the state government for the Prayagraj Maha Kumbh Bath to assist the people of Uttarakhand."

माननीय मुख्यमंत्री श्री @pushkardhami जी के निर्देशों के अनुक्रम में उत्तराखण्डवासियों की सहायता के लिए प्रयागराज महाकुंभ स्नान के लिए प्रदेश सरकार की ओर से टोल फ्री नंबर जारी किए गए हैं।

प्रदेश से महाकुंभ में गए लोग ट्रोल फ्री नंबर-1070, 8218867005, 90584 41404 पर कॉल कर किसी…

— Office Of Pushkar Singh Dhami (@OfficeofDhami) January 29, 2025

The post further informed that Uttarakhand residents at the Mahakumbh can seek assistance by contacting the toll-free numbers—1070, 8218867005, and 90584 41404.

Meanwhile, Mahakumbh DIG Vaibhav Krishna addressed concerns regarding a stampede-like situation that occurred in the early hours of Wednesday. He assured that the police and administration are closely monitoring the situation as preparations for Amrit Snan progress.

SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi dismissed speculation of a stampede, clarifying that the injuries resulted from overcrowding.

#WATCH | Prayagraj, UP | SSP Kumbh Mela Rajesh Dwivedi says, "There was no stampede. It was just overcrowding due to which some devotees got injured. The situation is completely under control. No kind of rumours must be paid heed to... Amrit Snan will soon begin... All… pic.twitter.com/PVBjeM8GkT

— ANI (@ANI) January 29, 2025

"There was no stampede. It was just overcrowding due to which some devotees got injured. The situation is completely under control. No kind of rumours must be paid heed to... Amrit Snan will soon begin... All preparations for Amrit Snan have been made... Many ghats have been developed and people are easily taking a dip in those ghats... I don't have numbers on casualties or injuries..." he said.

The incident occurred as vast crowds gathered at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers on the sacred occasion of Mauni Amavasya, coinciding with the Second Shahi Snan.

Despite the brief commotion, the influx of saints and devotees at Triveni Sangam continues, albeit in smaller processions. By noon, approximately 42.4 million devotees had already taken a holy dip at the site.