MAHAKUMBH NAGAR, Feb. 10 -- In light of criticisms from several quarters over huge traffic snarls on routes leading to and from Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh director general of police Prashant Kumar defended police personnel deployed on Mahakumbh duties.

"The Mahakumbh is witnessing the largest congregation of humanity in history. With over 40 crore pilgrims having already taken a sacred dip at the Sangam and millions arriving each day, managing the unprecedented movement of people and vehicles is a challenge that no city, no administration, and no police force in the world has ever encountered before. The sheer scale of this spiritual gathering has pushed the infrastructure of Prayagraj beyond its maximum capacity, making delays in traffic ...