IIT Kanpur Takes Charge of Comprehensive Safety Review for Mahakumbh 2025
Kanpur, 24th January: IIT Kanpur is spearheading an extensive 360-degree review of safety, security, and disaster management protocols for Mahakumbh 2025, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. This ambitious initiative is led by Prof. Munmun Jha as the principal investigator, with Prof. Deepu Philip, Professor-in-Charge of the Startup Incubation and Innovation Centre (SIIC), overseeing the safety review.
The multidisciplinary team comprises retired IAS and IPS officers, defence experts, academics, and IIT Kanpur students, including Sushil Kumar (IAS Retd.), S N Sabat (IPS Retd.), Col. Hitesh Kumar, Dr. Prabal Pratap Singh, Dr. Sarat Kumar Das, Mr. R K Thapaliyal, and students Agrima Srivastava, Arusha Singh, and Diwakar. Their mission involves conducting on-ground assessments and gathering data to identify risks and improve disaster response mechanisms.
The initial findings of their analysis were presented at the “Surakchit Kumbh” conference, attended by senior police officials, NDRF and SDRF teams, and other central forces. These findings sparked engaging discussions on enhancing the safety and security of the event.
Prof. Philip highlighted the importance of leveraging data-driven insights, expert collaboration, and advanced technology to strengthen Mahakumbh’s preparedness and resilience. “We are honoured to contribute to such a monumental event, ensuring it is both safe and well-managed. Our aim is to provide actionable solutions for public safety and disaster management,” he remarked.
The Mahakumbh Mela administration, along with police and other stakeholders, is closely collaborating with IIT Kanpur to ensure robust planning and execution. This initiative reflects IIT Kanpur’s commitment to interdisciplinary research and innovative solutions for large-scale public events.
Future conferences are planned to address sustainability, technology integration, health, and the socio-economic impact of Mahakumbh, further enhancing the event’s resilience and success.
Established in 1959, IIT Kanpur is a premier institution recognised for its excellence in science and engineering education. Spanning 1,050 acres, the campus boasts 19 departments, 26 centres, and a strong commitment to research and development.
