With the massive Magh Mela-2026 drawing closer, authorities in Prayagraj have launched a comprehensive security verification drive across the mela precinct. The initiative aims to screen thousands of vendors, labourers, and local residents to ensure a safe and secure environment for the 44-day annual religious congregation.
Wide-Ranging Security Sweep Underway
The mela police, in coordination with local police stations, have intensified efforts to verify the identities of individuals working and living in and around the fair area. This includes the sprawling Parade Ground, the sacred ghats along the Sangam, and nearby slum settlements. The drive is a critical pre-emptive measure ahead of the fair's commencement on January 3, 2026.
Senior Superintendent of Police (Magh Mela) Neeraj Pandey confirmed to the Times of India that this verification process will continue right up until the mela begins. Officers from all 15 police stations dedicated to the mela have been tasked with executing this detailed check on the mela campus and its immediate surroundings.
Focus on Vendors, Tenants, and Local Population
The police are leaving no stone unturned. The verification net has been cast wide to include vendors selling a variety of goods like utensils, toys, and household items, as well as traders setting up small food stalls and eateries on the mela grounds. Simultaneously, local police stations in Daraganj, Jhunsi, and Naini are actively verifying the details of new tenants who have recently moved into the area.
Special attention is being paid to the Sangam area and the adjacent slums. Police teams are meticulously checking documents and investigating whether any suspicious individuals have entered these localities recently. The goal is to create a robust layer of ground-level security.
Enhanced Surveillance and Intelligence Gathering
Beyond physical verification, the security apparatus is being strengthened on multiple fronts. Authorities are maximising the use of the existing CCTV network for round-the-clock surveillance. Furthermore, the intelligence network has been enhanced, and plain-clothes police teams have been deployed to discreetly gather information and monitor activities.
This multi-pronged strategy combining direct verification, technological monitoring, and human intelligence underscores the administration's commitment to managing the security challenges posed by one of the world's largest temporary gatherings. The 44-day Magh Mela is a pivotal event in the Hindu spiritual calendar, and these measures are crucial for the safety of millions of devotees expected to attend.
