Overview
- Paush Purnima marked the start of the 44–45 day pilgrimage at the Triveni Sangam, with officials reporting more than 25 lakh bathers by evening and a first-day estimate of 25–30 lakh.
- The event runs through February 15, with six principal snan days scheduled, including Makar Sankranti on January 14, Mauni Amavasya on January 18 and Maghi Purnima on February 1.
- Police detailed a 10‑tier security plan with 1,600 constables, around 1,000 home guards, NDRF and RAF teams, 17 PAC companies, divers, watchtowers and nine pontoon‑bridge posts.
- Surveillance and services were scaled up with 1,154 CCTV cameras linked to the ICCC plus 260 AI cameras in the Mela area, expanded ghats to about 10,000 feet, a Mela Seva app, bike taxis and a new Kalpavasi zone, Prayagwal Nagar.
- Health and environmental steps include two on‑site hospitals, 50 ambulances, a 500‑bed night shelter, bonfires and blankets, alongside orders shutting about 350 Kanpur units, including 288 tanneries, from December 31 to February 15 to protect Ganga water quality.