In a firm response to rumours circulating on social media about the extension of the Maha Kumbh Mela due to overwhelming crowds, Prayagraj District Magistrate (DM) Ravindra Mandar addressed the public on Tuesday, putting to rest the misinformation. He emphasized that the schedule of the Mela, a significant religious event, is based on carefully calculated “muhurats” (auspicious timings), and there are no plans to alter the dates. The Mela is scheduled to conclude on February 26, as originally planned, and no extension will be granted, Mandar confirmed.
The District Magistrate was clear in his dismissal of the rumours, underlining that the government, in line with instructions from Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, had taken every measure to ensure smooth arrangements for devotees. “There is no proposal from the government or the district administration to extend the mela dates,” Mandar stated, urging the public not to fall for the unverified claims circulating online.
As the Mela nears its conclusion, the district administration remains focused on facilitating hassle-free access to the Triveni Sangam, where pilgrims come to bathe. Mandar assured the public that all essential arrangements are in place to ensure the safety and convenience of the devotees during the remaining days of the event. One area of particular concern has been traffic management, with efforts being made to maintain an equilibrium between the steady stream of pilgrims and the day-to-day functioning of the city.
Amid the chaos of the Mela, some false claims about the closure of railway stations were also addressed by the DM. Mandar clarified that no station had been shut down without prior notice. He explained that the closure of Prayag Sangam station at Daraganj, which is located near the Mela site, is a routine measure taken on peak days to avoid overcrowding. “However, all other railway stations remain fully operational, and the movement of passengers continues smoothly,” he assured.
Another pressing concern had been the fear that board exam schedules might be disrupted due to the ongoing Mela. The District Magistrate responded to this by stating that, so far, no student has missed their board exams because of the Mela. He reiterated that the administration had advised students and their families to reach exam centres well in advance, and the CBSE and ICSE boards had even provided an extra opportunity for students who may face unavoidable delays due to the Mela.
In his concluding remarks, Mandar called on residents and devotees alike to rely only on official sources for information. His message underscored the importance of preventing the spread of false rumours that can cause unnecessary panic, especially during such a large-scale event like the Maha Kumbh Mela.
While the administration’s response has largely been reassuring, the incident highlights a larger issue—how easily misinformation can spread in the digital age. As the Mela comes to a close, it is clear that the authorities are not only grappling with the logistics of such a massive event but also fighting an ongoing battle against misleading narratives that can easily escalate. The public’s responsibility to seek out verified information has never been more important.
