UP Fire Department Honored for Exceptional Service During Mahakumbh 2025

Despite a month after its completion, the grandeur of Prayagraj Mahakumbh continues to be recognized across the country. The Uttar Pradesh Fire Department was honoured in Goa on Tuesday. This was for their exceptional efforts in fire safety and disaster management.

No casualties reported due to fire

The Uttar Pradesh Fire Department was among the many departments that played a crucial role in ensuring a seamless Mahakumbh experience for devotees and tourists. During the 45-day-long religious congregation, not a single casualty due to fire incidents was reported, an achievement that has been widely appreciated.

Recognising this outstanding contribution, Goa Chief Minister Dr. Pramod Sawant honored UP Fire Department officials on Tuesday, commending their efforts in ensuring a safe and incident-free Mahakumbh.

The Mahakumbh 2025

The Mahakumbh 2025, held on the banks of the Sangam in Prayagraj, witnessed a record 66 crore devotees taking a holy dip. Spread across 4,000 hectares and divided into 25 sectors, the event saw an average daily footfall of over one crore pilgrims.

Given the scale of the event, fire safety posed a major challenge. However, the UP Fire Department, equipped with advanced firefighting tools and quick response mechanisms, successfully managed fire incidents without any loss of life.

‘Surakshit Mahakumbh’

In total, the department handled 185 fire-related incidents, including 24 major outbreaks, preventing potential damage estimated at over Rs 16.5 crore. Their quick response and preparedness played a key role in realising Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath’s vision of a ‘Surakshit Mahakumbh’.

Pramod Sharma, who served as the Nodal Officer for Fire Services during Mahakumbh, shared that the Directorate of Fire and Emergency Services, Goa, organized the award ceremony. Director Nitin V. Raikar invited officials from the Uttar Pradesh Fire Department to Goa to honor their exceptional work during the grand religious gathering.

UP Fire Department honored

At the event, Goa Chief Minister personally felicitated UP Fire Department officials, including ADG Padmaja Chauhan, Deputy Director (Fire Services – Mahakumbh) Aman Sharma, Nodal Officer (Mahakumbh) Pramod Sharma, and Chief Fire Officer (Prayagraj Commissionerate) Dr. Rajeev Pandey, presenting them with a memento.

During the ceremony, the Goa CM praised the UP Fire Department’s efforts, acknowledging their role in ensuring a safe and incident-free Mahakumbh. He also engaged in a detailed discussion with the officials regarding the preparations and quick response strategies that contributed to the event’s success.

185 Fire incidents in Mahakumbh

Notably, over the 45-day-long grand Mahakumbh, the UP Fire department successfully managed 185 fire incidents without any loss of life. Among these, 24 were classified as severe, resulting in the burning of some tents and temporary structures, but all devotees remained safe. Additionally, around 86 minor fire incidents were swiftly controlled.

The biggest fire incident occurred on January 19 in Prayagraj Sector 19, when a cylinder explosion caused a massive fire. However, the fire department’s quick response ensured the safe evacuation of all devotees and minimal damage. Overall, the fire services helped prevent financial losses estimated at Rs 16.5 crore and successfully rescued eight animals from fire-related hazards.

2,200 trained fire personnel deployed

In line with the vision of a ‘Surakshit’ Mahakumbh, the Uttar Pradesh Fire Department set up an extensive fire safety network across the 25 sectors of the fairgrounds. The department established 54 fire stations and 27 fire outposts, ensuring round-the-clock vigilance during the event. A dedicated team of 2,200 trained fire personnel was deployed across the sectors to handle emergencies effectively.

351 fire vehicles deployed

To further strengthen fire safety, 351 fire vehicles and state-of-the-art firefighting equipment were deployed. This included four articulating water towers equipped with video and thermal imaging cameras, quick response vehicles (QRVs), all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), fire-fighting robots, and fire mist bikes.

Additionally, specialised fire boats were stationed near pontoon bridges and key riverbanks, capable of utilising river water for fire suppression. These extensive preparations enabled the Fire department to quickly manage incidents, ensuring no loss of life despite multiple fire emergencies.