Prayagraj (Uttar Pradesh) [India], January 19: A devastating fire broke out at the Gita Press camp in Prayagraj, damaging around 70 to 80 huts and 8 to 10 tents. Fortunately, no casualties have been reported, and all individuals were rescued safely. The fire has now been successfully extinguished.
Additional District Magistrate (ADM) of the Maha Kumbh Mela, Vivek Chaturvedi, confirmed the incident, stating, “A fire erupted at the Gita Press camp, and around 70 to 80 huts and eight to ten tents were destroyed. Thankfully, there have been no casualties, and everyone has been rescued safely.”
National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) Deputy Inspector General (DIG) MK Sharma informed that four NDRF teams were deployed immediately upon receiving the alert and were able to bring the fire under control.
“The four NDRF teams acted swiftly and contained the fire,” said DIG Sharma.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed concern over the incident and contacted Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to inquire about the situation. The Chief Minister assured him that the NDRF and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) had promptly managed the situation, preventing any loss of life.
According to Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) Bhanu Bhaskar, the fire was reportedly caused by a cylinder blast.
Meanwhile, BJP leader Harish Chandra Srivastava criticized the opposition for making premature accusations about the cause of the fire, pointing out that the incident was a result of a cylinder blast and that the opposition’s statements were unfounded and politically motivated.
Srivastava also praised CM Yogi Adityanath for his swift action, stating that the Chief Minister had personally monitored the situation and reviewed the arrangements at the Maha Kumbh. He assured that the government would take appropriate steps and that no significant damage had occurred.