The Uttar Pradesh government has made special arrangements to ensure the safety of female devotees during the Sawan Kanwar Yatra. Over 10,000 female police officers, help desks, and control rooms will be active 24x7.
UP: The Uttar Pradesh government has strengthened security arrangements for this year's Kanwar Yatra, which takes place during the month of Sawan, making them more robust and women-centric than before. Following the directives of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, the safety of female Kanwar pilgrims has been given priority. In line with this, special control rooms have been established in 11 zones, monitored 24x7 by female officers.
66,000 Police Personnel Deployed, 15% Female Force
According to data shared by the state police department, a total of over 66,000 police personnel have been deployed for the Kanwar Yatra. Approximately 15% of this force comprises female police officers. This includes 8,541 female constables and 1,486 female sub-inspectors. Around 6 crore devotees are expected to participate in the Yatra this year, with 60 to 70 lakh being women.
Prioritizing the Safety of Female Devotees
CM Yogi has instructed officials to make special arrangements for the safety and convenience of female devotees. Following his instructions, a women-centric security model has been implemented, ensuring the direct involvement of female police officers in women's help desks, QRT patrols, and night duties.
Establishment of Women's Help Desks and Shakti Help Booths
More than 150 women's help desks have been set up along the Kanwar routes. Female constables are stationed at these desks who will not only address complaints but also provide counseling in sensitive cases. In addition, 'Shakti Help Booths' have been established with the help of women's voluntary organizations. These booths will provide female devotees with facilities for lodging, guidance, and medical consultation if needed.
Mandatory Presence of Female Police Officers in Quick Response Teams
Quick Response Teams (QRTs) have been deployed to deal with any emergency situation during the Kanwar Yatra. CM Yogi has issued clear instructions that each QRT team must include female police officers. This arrangement is applicable for both day and night. This will give female devotees not only security but also a sense of confidence.
24x7 Monitoring from Control Rooms
The special control rooms established in 11 zones of the state are being monitored 24x7 by female officers. These control rooms are keeping an eye on every activity of the pilgrims. In addition, female police officers are stationed on helpline numbers to provide immediate assistance in case of any problem.
Maximum Female Force Deployed in Meerut Zone
The maximum number of female police personnel have been deployed in the Meerut zone, which is one of the main routes of the Kanwar Yatra. A total of 3,200 female police officers are on duty in the districts of Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Hapur, and Ghaziabad. Regular patrolling on the Yatra routes and special monitoring at sensitive points have also been arranged.
Strengthening Security with Technical Surveillance
Surveillance has been further strengthened with the help of drone cameras and CCTV networks on the Yatra routes. In addition, social media is also being monitored to prevent any kind of rumors or anti-social activities in time.
