The ongoing Mahakumbh Mela in Prayagraj has drawn over 60 million devotees to take a dip in the holy confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and the Sarasvati rivers. As the last days of the event approach, roads and highways leading to Prayagraj are packed with crowds and long queues of vehicles. The rush to reach the site is intensifying, as people seek to bathe before the festival concludes. Notably, the event has caused so much congestion that even railway platforms have been jammed with devotees. Many have faced difficulty boarding trains, and incidents of people falling from trains have been reported. In the final days leading up to Mahashivratri, devotees are making every effort to reach the Sangam for a sacred dip. The situation has become tense, as people push and jostle, creating a chaotic atmosphere. Amidst this, political tensions have emerged over the quality of the Ganga’s water. The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has questioned the authorities over rising contamination levels in the river, demanding a response by February 24th. Political figures, such as Akhilesh Yadav, have seized upon the issue, accusing the government of failing to address sanitation problems. The situation remains charged, as the Mahakumbh nears its end.
