Ahead of Shivratri, preparations in full swing for smooth Kanwar Yatra in Karnal, Kaithal

With Shivratri approaching, the Karnal and the Kaithal police have made elaborate arrangements to ensure a safe and smooth yatra of Kanwarias. The Karnal police have set up 19 nakas, including inter-state and inter-district points to manage traffic and ensure the safety of Kanwarias. At each naka, five police personnel, along with home guards have been deployed with two shifts to maintain round-the clock vigilance.

Besides, to monitor key locations, CCTV cameras have been installed at four points –two in Indri, and one each in Madhuban and Kunjpura.

“Monitoring with CCTV cameras is being done at the nakas at Shergarh Tapu, Manglora, Garhibirbal road, Lawda-Indri road,” said Ganga Ram Punia, Superintendent of Police (SP), Karnal.

Punia also appealed to all Kanwarias to cooperate with the police and avoid playing loud DJs. The devotees are also urged not to carry sharp-edged weapons or pointed objects during the yatra and must carry valid ID proof with them.

The SP further said that all Kanwar shivirs should be set up at least 50 metres away from the main road and preferably on the left side of the route to avoid accidents. Camp organisers must ensure proper parking arrangements away from the road,

In Kaithal, SP Astha Modi instructed all SHOs and in-charges of police posts to ensure the safety of Kanwarias during the yatra. She appealed for public cooperation and urged the pilgrims to contact dial 112 in case of any emergency.

Police spokesperson said they had already appealed to the Kanwarias to submit their names, addresses and mobile number to the local police stations before commencing their journey. This would help in establishing inter-state coordination and ensure a prompt response in case of any emergency during their yatra.

He said nine police nakas had been set up across the district. Besides, 24 patrolling parties had also been deployed on designated routes.

He said that emphasis would be laid on persons causing public inconvenience, trying to block traffic during the yatra.

Haryana Tribune