Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a high-level review meeting at the Mela Control Bhavan auditorium in Haridwar on Tuesday, 21 July 2026, issuing comprehensive directives to all departments to ensure the upcoming Kanwar Yatra — commencing 30 July — is conducted safely, in an orderly manner, and with full attention to pilgrim welfare.

Context

CM Dhami set out a three-part governing vision for the pilgrimage season, declaring that the state's goal must be 'Surakshit Kanwar, Suvyavasthit Kanwar aur Swachh Kanwar' — 'Safe Kanwar, Organised Kanwar and Clean Kanwar.' He said every pilgrim must return from Devbhoomi Uttarakhand safe, satisfied, and with a pleasant experience, calling this the state government's 'vikalp rahit sankalp' — 'non-negotiable resolve.'

The meeting brought together senior district officials, police officers, and representatives of emergency services to review the full spectrum of preparations ahead of the pilgrimage, which draws millions of kanwariyas (devotees) to collect sacred Ganga water and carry it to Shiva shrines across northern India.

Policy Backdrop

Uttarakhand has institutionalised pre-Kanwar review meetings at Haridwar as an annual exercise in multi-departmental coordination, reflecting the state's identity as Devbhoomi — the 'Land of Gods' — and its strategic emphasis on safe religious tourism. This year's directives go further on technology and gender-sensitive infrastructure.

CM Dhami ordered the deployment of CCTV cameras, drones, and AI-based surveillance systems across the entire mela area — an approach that mirrors crowd-management practices refined at the Kumbh Mela and other large national gatherings. He also directed that additional police forces be stationed in sensitive and highly sensitive zones, and that strict action be taken immediately against anyone disturbing law and order or spreading rumours on social media.

On sanitation, the Chief Minister specifically directed that an adequate number of clean pink toilets be installed at all major locations for women pilgrims — a directive that builds on the state's ongoing sanitation drives. A no-plastic campaign and regular cleanliness drives are also to run throughout the pilgrimage route and mela area.

Stakeholders and Impact

The directives span multiple departments and community stakeholders. CM Dhami called on local elected representatives, social organisations, voluntary bodies, traders, religious scholars (dharmacharyas), and saints to actively participate in making the mela a success. He directed that video messages from saints and religious leaders be prepared and circulated among pilgrims to ensure the yatra proceeds in a disciplined and dignified manner.

For medical preparedness, he ordered sufficient medical camps, ambulances, doctors, and paramedical staff at all major halting points and mela zones. Water ambulances are to be deployed at key ghats, while SDRF (State Disaster Response Force), NDRF, water police, and fire services are to remain on full alert. Contingency plans for heavy rainfall, waterlogging, and other emergencies must be in place with rapid-response protocols.

On traffic, the Chief Minister ordered an effective traffic plan with separate arrangements for pilgrims and local residents where needed. He was unequivocal that VIP movement must not disrupt pilgrim movement under any circumstances. Hotels, dhabas, and food establishments are to face regular food-quality inspections, and all establishments must display their licences and registrations prominently.

What's Next

District Magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police have been directed to review arrangements daily and resolve any issues immediately. Round-the-clock control rooms and helplines are to remain fully operational throughout the yatra period. The Chief Minister also referenced the broader national context, noting that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, India has achieved remarkable progress across sectors despite global challenges, and that Uttarakhand too has seen unprecedented development in every field.

With the Kanwar Yatra set to begin on 30 July, the next critical test will be the on-ground rollout of pink toilets, medical infrastructure, water ambulances, and the AI-surveillance network — and whether the state's 'non-negotiable resolve' translates into a seamless experience for the millions of pilgrims expected this season.