Army and Air Force’s Exemplary Arrangements at Mahakumbh, Prayagraj Hailed by United Front of ESM (JCOs & OR) Himachal Pradesh.
Shimla:
The United Front of Ex-Servicemen (JCOs & OR) from Himachal Pradesh has praised the Indian Army and Air Force for their remarkable efforts in providing smooth and safe access for defence personnel and their families to the Mahakumbh celebrations at Prayagraj. The event, which concluded on Mahashivratri, saw thousands of devotees gather at the Sangam Ghat to take a holy dip in the confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna, and Saraswati rivers.
Captain Jagdish Verma (Retd), Chairman of the United Front of ESM (JCOs & OR), expressed his gratitude toward the Army and the local defence authorities for making elaborate arrangements for retired and serving personnel to attend the Mahakumbh. Captain Verma, sharing his experience, mentioned that only three days remained for the culmination of the 45-day Mahakumbh when they had almost lost hope of being able to visit the Sangam Ghat due to reports of heavy crowds and traffic jams. However, after contacting the Army helpline, they were able to successfully visit the holy site and take a dip in the sacred waters.
The contingent, consisting of three defence retirees and their families, had traveled from Himachal Pradesh, Chandigarh, Delhi, and Kanpur, covering a distance of 17 hours by taxi to reach the Fort cantonment area near Sangam Ghat. The defence personnel were deployed to guide the elderly soldiers and their families and assist them in safely navigating the busy Mahakumbh site. This gesture was especially appreciated by the visitors, who were comforted by the support provided.
In addition to providing priority slips for quick access to the Triveni, the Army ensured the safety of pilgrims by distributing Army Safety Jackets and arranging for transport in defence-hired boats at affordable rates. Several rescue boats, manned by highly trained divers, were stationed at key points, while floating platforms and standby rescue teams were established to ensure safety. The local Engineer Regiment also ensured that medical care was available on-site, with Army Medical Corps personnel offering free treatment and deploying army doctors and paramedical staff.
After taking the sacred dip at Sangam Ghat, the pilgrims were escorted back to Sarswatighat, where they were provided with refreshments and rest facilities. The Army also set up guest rooms, overnight tent accommodations, and a 50-bedded hospital to accommodate visitors. In addition, a langar (community kitchen) was set up, offering food to the pilgrims throughout the event.
The Indian Air Force played a significant role in overseeing the Mahakumbh, with continuous surveillance of the area from helicopters and even offering “Joy Rides” to visitors. The oldest Indian Air Force base in Bamrauli, located in Prayagraj, efficiently managed air traffic control for scheduled and unscheduled flights arriving from across India and other countries during the event.
Captain Verma highlighted the disciplined and unwavering commitment of the Armed Forces, stating, “Our Armed Forces aren’t only known for their discipline in defending the borders, but their dedication to supporting religious events like the Mahakumbh is a testament to their commitment to all aspects of national service. Words are inadequate to express our gratitude for the services rendered by our Army and Air Force during this auspicious event.”
The extensive efforts of the Indian Army and Air Force during the Mahakumbh exemplify the commitment and professionalism of the Armed Forces, ensuring that both serving and retired personnel, as well as pilgrims, had a safe and meaningful experience at the holy event.
