Chief Secretary Reviews Disaster Management Preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027
Sector-wise evacuation plans, integrated crowd management, traffic, fire safety and emergency response systems to be prepared
Dehradun, August 20, 2026: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan on Thursday chaired a meeting at the Secretariat to review preparations for disaster management, safety and emergency response during Kumbh Mela 2027. He directed all concerned departments and district administrations to complete preparations well in advance, keeping in view possible disasters and emergency situations, so that a swift and effective response can be ensured throughout the Mela period.
The Chief Secretary directed officials to prepare a comprehensive emergency action plan and area-specific disaster management plans for Kumbh Mela 2027. He emphasized the need for a sector-wise evacuation plan covering the entire Kumbh area.
He said the integrated disaster management plan should cover crowd management, traffic management, evacuation routes, fire control mechanisms and emergency response systems. Clear Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) should also be prepared for potential emergencies, including earthquakes, floods and Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear (CBRN) incidents.
Equipment, Maintenance and Training to be Ensured
The Chief Secretary directed officials to ensure the availability of essential equipment required for flood, earthquake and CBRN disaster management. He stressed that procurement of equipment alone would not be sufficient and that all equipment must remain operational, undergo regular maintenance and be handled by properly trained personnel.
He further directed the authorities to assess gaps in available resources and ensure the required arrangements for Kumbh Mela 2027 through the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).
Regular Mock Drills During Peak Periods
Emphasizing the need to strengthen the ATS, the Chief Secretary directed that regular mock drills be conducted, particularly keeping major bathing festivals and peak crowd periods in mind.
He said emergency situations should be realistically simulated during these exercises so that alternative routes, evacuation mechanisms and response systems can be tested. The objective, he emphasized, should be to identify shortcomings in advance and minimize response time during an actual emergency.
Focus on AI and Modern Technology
The Chief Secretary also stressed the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and modern technology in the management of Kumbh Mela. He directed officials to develop a systematic database containing information, experiences and operational inputs received from various departments during the event.
He said the database would help in planning and disaster management for future large-scale religious and public gatherings. He also directed officials to seek technical and expert assistance from ITDA, the Disaster Management Department and other relevant institutions, and to engage specialists wherever required.
Communication Network and Rumour Control to be Strengthened
The Chief Secretary directed officials to strengthen communication management during the Mela. Considering the expected surge in crowds during peak periods, he called for advance planning to enhance mobile network capacity and ensure additional mobile towers and communication facilities wherever necessary.
He also stressed the need for an effective information and communication mechanism to prevent rumours and ensure that accurate and verified information reaches the public promptly during emergencies.
Control Room and Inter-Departmental Coordination
The Chief Secretary directed authorities to strengthen the Kumbh Mela control room and hold regular coordination meetings with all concerned departments to ensure that preparations are completed within the stipulated timelines.
He said Kumbh Mela 2027 would be a mega-scale event with a large number of pilgrims expected to participate. All departments, therefore, must work in close coordination with clearly defined responsibilities and a robust command-and-control mechanism to effectively deal with any possible disaster or emergency situation.
Secretary Shailesh Bagauli, Nitesh Kumar Jha, Vinay Shankar Pandey, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swarup and Mela Officer Sonika, along with senior officials of concerned departments and district magistrates, were present at the meeting.
