Yogi Adityanath reviewed preparations for the Kartik Purnima fairs at Garhmukteshwar and Tigri. The measures prioritise security, sanitation, healthcare and transport for up to 30 lakh devotees.UP's 'Mini Kumbh' is expected to draw 25 lakh to 30 lakh devotees from Nov 17 to 26. (PTI Photo)Lucknow,Nov 11, 2026 07:46 ISTUttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday reviewed preparations for the Kartik Purnima Ganga Snan Mela at Garhmukteshwar and the Tigri Mela, directing officials to ensure tight security, cleanliness and essential facilities for devotees, news agency Press Trust of India reported.The fairs, described as the ā€œMini Kumbh of western Uttar Pradeshā€, are expected to draw 25 lakh to 30 lakh devotees from November 17 to 26.

The main bathing ritual is scheduled for November 24.Administrative and police officials from Meerut, Bareilly, Amroha, Hapur, Moradabad and other divisions and districts attended the review meeting through video conference, according to a state government statement cited by PTI.Adityanath asked officials to complete preparations within the stipulated time and make adequate arrangements for security, traffic management, sanitation, drinking water and other essential facilities. He also directed them to completely prohibit single-use plastic.

Officials from the Home, Public Works, Transport, Irrigation, Urban Development, Energy, Panchayati Raj and Health departments were instructed to inspect the arrangements before the fairs begin.The chief minister ordered a strict ban on the sale of liquor and intoxicants in the fair areas. He said no activity that could hurt religious sentiments should be allowed.

Focusing on arrangements at the ghats, Adityanath directed officials to ensure adequate water availability, guide the riverā€™s flow wherever required and deploy enough sanitation workers.He called for temporary hospitals with facilities on a par with community health centres, along with adequate medical staff, ambulances and other emergency services. Regular electricity supply and safe drinking water must also be ensured, he said.For security, Adityanath directed officials to deploy adequate police personnel, including women, as well as teams from the National Disaster Response Force and the State Disaster Response Force on both sides of the river.He said senior police officers at the ADG, IG, DIG and SSP levels should brief and counsel personnel before the fairs.

Police personnel must not make social media reels while on duty, he added.The chief minister also called for CCTV surveillance, watchtowers, public address systems, fire engines, proper parking facilities and traffic diversions.Adityanath said only dignified cultural performances should be held. He asked the Tourism and Culture Department to organise Shrimad Bhagwat Katha, Raslila, Ramlila and spiritual programmes centred on Lord Shiva, along with laser and drone shows.He directed officials to launch a special drive against disruptive elements spreading misinformation on social media and intensify the campaign against intoxicants during the fairs.Fire engines should remain on alert and the control room must operate round the clock.

Officials were also told to remain vigilant against undesirable elements and wildlife in the fair areas.The Transport Department was directed to run additional buses to help devotees travel to and from the fairs, the statement said.Overall, the state government has asked departments to complete preparations on time, with a focus on security, sanitation, healthcare, transport and other essential services for the expected influx of devotees.- Ends