Is Uttar Pradesh Ready for the Kanwar Yatra with Tight Security?

Lucknow, July 10 (NationPress) As the Kanwar Yatra approaches its commencement on July 11, Uttar Pradesh has finalized its extensive preparations to ensure that the devotees participating in this sacred pilgrimage encounter no challenges.

This revered event witnesses millions of Lord Shiva devotees, referred to as Kanwariyas, journeying to holy sites including Haridwar, Gaumukh, Gangotri, and the Ajgaibinath Temple in Sultanganj, Bhagalpur, where they collect consecrated water from the Ganga during the auspicious month of Shravan, also known as Sawan.

To guarantee security and the smooth operation of the event, the Uttar Pradesh Police has mobilized the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Quick Response Team (QRT), and the Anti-Terror Squad.

As per the directives from Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Krishna, the deployment strategy includes 587 gazetted officers, 2,040 inspectors, 13,520 sub-inspectors, 39,965 head constables and constables, 1,486 women sub-inspectors, 8,541 women constables and head constables, along with 50 companies of the Central Police Force and the Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC), in addition to 1,424 Home Guards. Continuous patrolling has commenced, complemented by special arrangements for UP-112 vehicles and personnel.

In a commendable move in Sambhal, locals of Deepa Sarai voluntarily cleared illegal encroachments after receiving advice from local authorities in anticipation of the Yatra.

“Yesterday, the DM visited and recommended that we remove the illegal structures along the Kanwar Yatra path. We were given two days, and therefore, we willingly dismantled the unauthorized constructions,” a local resident shared with IANS.

This community cooperation has been lauded by officials as a significant contribution towards the seamless organization of the pilgrimage.

In Bareilly, final preparations are also underway.

Addressing reporters, DIG Ajay Sahni stated, “As you all are aware, the Shravan month of 2025 commences tomorrow. In light of this, comprehensive arrangements have been established across all four districts of the Bareilly Range. The entire area is segmented into Super Zones, Zones, Sectors, and Sub-sectors.”

“Approximately 6,000 police personnel, including Additional SPs, COs, inspectors, and officials of all ranks, will be deployed. Furthermore, 26 platoons of PAC and one company of RAF are being mobilized considering the sensitivity of Bareilly. A flood relief PAC platoon has also been dispatched to avert drowning incidents,” he added.

The DIG encouraged Kanwariyas to carry their ID cards and offer or seek assistance to fellow pilgrims as required.

In Meerut, arrangements have been established along eight designated routes.

“All eight paths are prepared. Electrical connections are also being established. Liquor shops have been secured, and food stalls along the route have been registered to ensure no inconvenience to the pilgrims. Employees from the Food and Safety Department have made provisions to uphold the religious sanctity of the devotees,” remarked District Magistrate V.K. Singh.

SSP Vipin Taara mentioned that police personnel have been deployed throughout all areas.

“1,400 CCTV cameras have been installed along the Yatra route, which will be monitored continuously. Drones equipped with night vision capabilities will also be utilized for surveillance,” he informed IANS.

A dedicated social media and cybercrime cell has also been initiated to combat misinformation and address complaints during the Yatra.

In Sultanpur, final preparations are in the works.

SP Kunwar Anupam Singh communicated to IANS, “To ensure the safe and smooth execution of the Kanwar Yatra throughout the month of Shravan, senior officials and local police have convened Committee meetings at police stations, and all routes have been thoroughly evaluated.”

Likewise, districts like Muzaffarnagar, Moradabad, and Kanpur have established comprehensive arrangements to manage the influx of devotees.

Local divers have been trained and stationed along riverbanks and canals, while barricades and warning signs have been set up to prevent accidents. A total of 395 drones have been deployed to aid in monitoring the pilgrimage.

The administration plans to disseminate mobile numbers of all police officers, station in-charges, traffic diversion schemes, and additional crucial information via barcodes printed in newspapers, displayed on hoardings, and circulated through social media to provide timely updates to devotees.

On the primary Kanwar route, 1,845 water service centers, 829 medical camps, and 1,222 police assistance centers and control rooms have been established.

Following DGP guidelines, 29,454 CCTV cameras have been installed along the route and at camps after conducting anti-sabotage checks. These will facilitate real-time monitoring through drones and surveillance rooms.

An eight-member team at the Social Media Centre of the DGP Headquarters will remain vigilant to track and verify social media reports concerning the Yatra.

They will take prompt action against any individuals disseminating misinformation. Another eight-member team has been established to monitor news from electronic media, UP-112, and other channels round the clock.

Traffic management has been prioritized with proper lighting, electronic signboards, and route indicators installed at key intersections. Highways identified as potential congestion points have been marked for traffic diversion.

The proposed barricading and diversion strategies are also being rehearsed in advance, and updates will be shared through press releases, newspapers, local channels, and social media.

Guidelines have been issued to ensure Kanwariyas walk solely on the left side of highways and that Bhandaara or camps are established at least 20 feet from the roadside.

Devotees are also being warned against speeding or reckless driving.

Special safety protocols have been instituted for women Kanwariyas, with immediate action promised in cases of misconduct or inappropriate behavior.

To maintain food quality and prevent price inflation, hotels and dhabas along the Kanwar route will be inspected in collaboration with the Food Department. Additionally, displaying price lists for food items to prevent overcharging will be mandated.