Uttarakhand gears up for Kanwar Yatra; CM Dhami asks officials to ensure security of devotees

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said lessons learnt over the previous few years should be kept in mind so that strict law and order is maintained and there are no incidents of vandalism during the upcoming  'Shravan Kanwar Mela' or 'Kanwar Yatra'.

 

During a review meeting to discuss preparations for the event, he emphasised that effective crowd control, traffic management and security arrangements should be ensured to prevent any kind of disturbance or other undesirable incidents during the yatra. He also directed the officials to ensure complete verification of camp operators, staff employed in various establishments serving the kanwars, volunteers and persons staying in hotels/dharamshalas.

 

X-ray systems, fire extinguishers, fire tenders and personnel are to be deployed at all major sites. Special emphasis is to be laid on monitoring the quality of food and beverages. Arrangements are to be put in place for the prevention of waterborne diseases, the CM said. 

 

For constant monitoring, the help of volunteers will be sought. Crowd management will be done through CCTVs and drones.

 

Dhami directed that a separate plan for better traffic management be drawn up and publicised widely. Keeping in mind possible terrorist threats, instructions have been given to ensure the deployment of ATS and special security forces.

 

At all prominent spots, ambulances and backup medical services will be deployed. 

 

Male and female security personnel in plain clothes will mingle with the crowds. At ghats, divers and water police will be on high alert.

 

The CM also directed that the use of loud sound amplifiers, DJs and loudspeakers on the yatra routes should be regulated. Corrective work should be done by identifying black spots to prevent accidents. Information about 'what to do and what not to do' should be given to Kanwar pilgrims through pamphlets, hoardings, public announcements and social media.

 

A publicity campaign will also be run to ask Kanwariyas to refrain from carrying sticks, batons, and sharp objects. 

 

A strict ban on the sale of intoxicants, alcohol and meat on the yatra routes will be ensured. Adequate basic facilities like electricity, water, and medicines will be made available without interruptions. 

 

In view of the increasing number of women Kanwariyas, the CM has asked for special police arrangements at women-only ghats and dharamshalas. The state will also rely on coordination with other states. 

 

Social media will be strictly monitored and action will be taken against those spreading rumours. Quick refutations and denials of false and malicious posts will be done. 

 

Dhami directed all the departmental secretaries and Inspector Generals of Police to review the preparations by conducting a field inspection of the Kanwar Mela area in the next three days and finalise the action plans of their respective departments.

India