Haridwar Police has directed shopkeepers in the Kanwar market not to manufacture or sell Kanwars taller than six feet during the ongoing Kanwar Mela as part of measures to maintain security and traffic management. Action will be taken against shopkeepers found violating the prescribed norms.
With the commencement of the Shravan month, the number of Kanwar pilgrims arriving in Haridwar has been increasing steadily. In view of the rising footfall, the police and fair administration have intensified the implementation of safety measures. On the first day of the Shravan month, a police team visited the Kanwar market at Chamgadar Tapu and instructed all shopkeepers to comply with government guidelines.
Officials stated that Kanwars exceeding six feet in height must neither be manufactured nor sold in the market. Shopkeepers violating the prescribed rules will face action in accordance with applicable regulations.
According to police officials, carrying taller Kanwars on congested routes can disrupt traffic and increase the risk of accidents near power lines, bridges, and other locations. For these reasons, the maximum permissible height of Kanwars has been fixed at six feet for this year's pilgrimage, and strict enforcement has been directed.
The administration said the safety measures are intended to ensure that the pilgrimage remains safe and orderly while reducing the possibility of untoward incidents.
The Kanwar market at Chamgadar Tapu serves pilgrims arriving from Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, Rajasthan, and several other states, with a variety of Kanwars available for purchase. Large numbers of devotees have been visiting the market for shopping.
Police have also issued specific instructions regarding the width of decorative Kanwars featuring tableaux. Officials said such structures must be designed so that they do not obstruct the movement of other pilgrims or vehicles on the roads. If any shop is found selling Kanwars exceeding the prescribed height or size limits, action will be taken against the concerned shopkeeper.
The fair administration has appealed to both shopkeepers and pilgrims to comply with government guidelines. Officials said cooperation from all stakeholders will help ensure that the Kanwar Yatra is conducted safely, systematically, and without disruption.
