The Kanwar Yatra is set to commence on July 11th this year, and the government has issued guidelines in this regard. A meeting of the inter-state coordination committee held on Friday discussed the yatra in detail, with several key decisions being made.
New Delhi: Considering the crowds, disarray, and occasional accidents that occur during the grand Kanwar Yatra held every year in the month of Sawan, the government has taken strict measures in advance this time. Several important decisions were made at the inter-state coordination committee meeting held in Haridwar on Friday to make the yatra safe and well-organized.
The meeting was chaired by Uttarakhand's Chief Secretary, Anand Vardhan. Senior officials from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Delhi, and Rajasthan attended. It was decided that the height of the Kanwar will not exceed 10 feet this time, and this rule will be strictly enforced.
Special emphasis on the safety of pilgrims
Chief Secretary Anand Vardhan clarified that the peaceful and harmonious conduct of the Kanwar Yatra is the government's top priority. For this, real-time data and information exchange between the six states will be ensured to enable quick action in any emergency situation. A framework for crowd management, control of rumors, real-time coordination, and clamping down on troublemakers has been established.
In addition, 'Do's and Don'ts' information for Kanwar pilgrims will be displayed mandatorily on the yatra routes so that people can know the rules and follow them.
Rate lists mandatory in Dhabas and Hotels
It was also decided in the meeting that all dhabas and hotels along the Kanwar Yatra route must display a clear rate list. Complaints of arbitrary charges from people have often been received during times of heavy crowds, which is why displaying a rate list has been made mandatory this time. In addition, dhabas and hotels will have to comply with safety standards.
Consumption of alcohol and meat is completely prohibited on the yatra routes and at resting places during the Kanwar Yatra. The SOP (Standard Operating Procedure) has already been issued for this, and it will now be strictly implemented. Police and administration teams will continuously monitor to ensure that the rules are not violated.
Ban on loud music, strict traffic management
Another important decision taken in the meeting was that high-decibel music systems on vehicles participating in the yatra will be completely prohibited. Action will be taken against any vehicle found with such systems. This is considered an important step towards controlling noise pollution during the yatra. In addition, a strategy was developed for traffic control on the Delhi-Haridwar National Highway-58. A special plan was also made for the crowd of Dak Kanwar, and emphasis was placed on the use of alternative routes. The parking arrangements in Haridwar and the preparations for the pedestrian Kanwar track route were also reviewed.
Uttarakhand's Director General of Police, Deepam Seth, said that real-time information will be shared between all states this time. Separate information groups will be created in three categories to enable an immediate response. It is noteworthy that this year's Kanwar Yatra will start from July 11th, and lakhs of devotees will reach holy sites like Haridwar, Rishikesh, and Gangotri to collect Ganga water. The administration's preparations appear to be more comprehensive this time.
