The upcoming Kanwar Yatra will see stringent regulations as Shiva devotees will not be allowed to carry Kanwads higher than seven feet, and the use of DJs will be tightly controlled. These measures were decided upon during the interstate and inter-unit coordination meeting on the security arrangements for the Kanwar fair, attended by police officers from eight states and various security agencies.
In response to rising security concerns, the meeting emphasized the need for enhanced social media monitoring. States such as Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Punjab, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Rajasthan, and forces including CRPF, Railway Protection Force, and the Intelligence Bureau were represented. Officials highlighted the importance of coordinated efforts to ensure the safety and smooth conduct of the Yatra.
DGP Abhinav Kumar remarked that the Kanwar Yatra, once primarily involving Uttarakhand, now has broader implications across North India, necessitating comprehensive security and traffic management strategies. IG Intelligence Krishna Kumar VK and Haridwar SSP Pramendra Doval discussed the importance of social media vigilance and inter-state cooperation.
Key measures outlined include:
– CCTV and Drone Surveillance: To prevent untoward incidents, CCTV and drones will monitor Kanwariyas.
– Local Coordination: Regular meetings between area officers and station in-charges of border districts.
– Kanwad Restrictions: Kanwariyas must carry identity cards, adhere to the seven-foot height limit for Kanwads, and avoid traveling on train roofs.
– Control Room Operations: Officers from border states will be stationed at the Haridwar control room for better coordination.
– DJ Usage: Restrictions on DJ usage near populated areas, hospitals, schools, and senior citizens’ residences.
– Camp Worker Verification: Thorough verification of individuals working in pilgrimage camps.
– Separate Routes for Pilgrims: Separate routes for Kanwar Yatra and Chardham Yatra pilgrims to be publicized from Delhi.
– Joint Checking: Joint checks of suspicious persons and vehicles at key checkpoints with bordering states.
Meerut Zone ADG Law and Order DK Thakur stressed the importance of monitoring checkposts and barriers with CCTV, with live feeds sent to the Haridwar Control Room. Uttar Pradesh ADG Law and Order Amitabh Yash called for heightened vigilance, citing past terrorist incidents, and recommended creating a WhatsApp group for border district officials.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami stated, “Preparations for the Kanwar Yatra have commenced. We hold a significant meeting in Haridwar every year, and we will do so this year too. Last year, over four crore Shiva devotees participated, and we are committed to welcoming them and ensuring their safety and comfort.”