Despite rising Covid-19 cases, Haridwar is jam-packed with pilgrims for Kumbh Mela on April 12. Covid-19 protocols were flouted as devotees performed the rituals. Appreciating the efforts of police, Uttarakhand DGP Ashok Kumar said that as it was peak day, therefore, it was hard to make people follow it. DGP Ashok Kumar said, “Maha Kumbh has been challenging for the country, Uttarakhand Police is comparatively small in strength but Maha Kumbh takes place on that very scale. It was a challenging day for us. The crowd is a little less due to Covid-19. We have tried our best that the behaviour is right and Covid-19 protocols are followed.” Uttarakhand has over 7,000 active cases in the state.