Delhi Government Announces Major Boost for Kanwar Camps: Financial Assistance Enhanced, Large Camps to Receive Up to ₹15 Lakh

Free electricity of up to 1,200 units to continue for Kanwar Samitis

Grant to be released in two instalments through DBT with geo-tagged photographs to ensure transparency

Decision proposed in view of the rising number of devotees and increasing costs: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta

New Delhi, July 2026 : Delhi Chief Minister Smt. Rekha Gupta said the Delhi Government is set to take a major decision to make Kanwar Yatra-2026 more organised, safer and more convenient for devotees. Keeping in view the steadily rising number of pilgrims, inflation and the increasing cost of running Kanwar camps, the government has proposed a significant enhancement in the financial assistance provided to Kanwar Samitis. The move is aimed at enabling the Samitis to provide better facilities to devotees.

Large Kanwar camps to receive assistance of up to ₹15 lakh

The Chief Minister said the biggest increase has been proposed for large Kanwar camps. Financial assistance for camps spread over more than 20,000 square feet and operating for 6 to 12 days will be increased from ₹11 lakh to ₹15 lakh. Similarly, assistance for camps of the same size operating for 3 to 5 days will be enhanced from ₹6 lakh to ₹9 lakh. The proposal is intended to reduce the growing financial burden on Kanwar Samitis and help them provide better facilities to devotees.

Financial assistance to be enhanced across all categories of Kanwar camps

The Chief Minister said financial assistance for all other categories of Kanwar camps will also be enhanced. Camps spread over 15,001 to 20,000 square feet will receive ₹8 lakh instead of ₹4 lakh for a duration of 3 to 5 days, while assistance for camps operating for 6 to 12 days will increase from ₹7 lakh to ₹9 lakh. For camps between 10,001 and 15,000 square feet, the assistance will be raised from ₹4 lakh to ₹6 lakh for 3 to 5 days and from ₹7 lakh to ₹8 lakh for 6 to 12 days. Camps measuring 5,001 to 10,000 square feet will receive ₹3 lakh instead of ₹2.50 lakh for 3 to 5 days and ₹5 lakh instead of ₹4 lakh for 6 to 12 days. Smaller camps of up to 5,000 square feet will receive ₹2 lakh instead of ₹1.50 lakh for 3 to 5 days and ₹3 lakh instead of ₹2 lakh for 6 to 12 days.

Focus on better facilities and continuation of free electricity

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the scale of the Kanwar Yatra in Delhi has been expanding steadily. The number of Kanwar camps increased from 170 in 2024 to 308 in 2025. Keeping this growing requirement in mind, the government has proposed these measures to ensure that Kanwar Samitis engaged in serving devotees receive adequate financial support. As before, Kanwar Samitis will continue to receive free electricity of up to 1,200 units. BSES and TPDDL will ensure timely electricity connections and complete all required formalities before the Yatra begins. Any electricity consumption beyond 1,200 units will be borne by the respective Kanwar Samiti.

Grant disbursement process to be simplified and expedited

The Chief Minister said the grant disbursement process will also be simplified to avoid delays. Both the advance instalment and the final instalment will be released directly by the office of the concerned District Magistrate (DM). There will be no requirement for separate approval from the Finance Department through the Revenue Headquarters for each individual case. This will ensure timely release of financial assistance and make the process more efficient. The Finance Department will also issue the necessary guidelines to ensure transparency and financial discipline.

All departments to work in coordination for better arrangements

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the existing Single Window System and inter-departmental coordination mechanism will continue this year as well. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will ensure sanitation, garbage collection, fogging and cleanliness. The Health Department and CATS will provide round-the-clock doctors, ambulances, first-aid centres and essential medicines. The Delhi Jal Board will ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water and deploy water tankers wherever required. DUSIB will provide mobile toilet units and ensure their regular cleaning and maintenance. BSES and TPDDL will ensure uninterrupted electricity supply and prompt redressal of complaints. Delhi Police and Traffic Police will oversee security arrangements, traffic management, route diversions wherever required, and the installation of CCTV cameras at vulnerable locations.

Grant to be released in two instalments through DBT

The Chief Minister said all District Magistrates will ensure the timely registration of eligible Kanwar Samitis, opening of bank accounts, verification of documents and completion of all mandatory audit formalities. SDMs and Tehsildars will inspect the camps before and after the Yatra, supported by geo-tagged photographs and verification reports to ensure transparency and accountability. As before, the grant will be released through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) in two instalments. Fifty per cent will be released as advance assistance, while the remaining 50 per cent will be disbursed after the completion of the Yatra, subject to verification of utilisation and fulfilment of the prescribed conditions.

Providing better facilities to devotees remains the government’s priority

Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Committee has also recommended that the list of Kanwar Samitis and sites approved in 2025 be treated as final for 2026, and that no new Samiti or site be approved this year. She said the Delhi Government’s objective is not only to enhance financial assistance but also to improve every aspect of the Kanwar Yatra so that devotees can undertake their pilgrimage in a clean, safe and convenient environment. The proposal to enhance financial assistance for Kanwar Samitis, along with the other recommendations, will be placed before the Delhi Cabinet for approval at its meeting on Tuesday.