Chief Secretary and DGP hold high level meeting for Kanwar Yatra security measures post CM Yogi’s instructions.

Sawan, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath recently convened a high-level meeting, directing officials to ensure robust arrangements for Kanwar pilgrims’ safety and convenience. 

Subsequently, on Saturday, Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh and DGP Prashant Kumar met in Meerut with senior officials from western Uttar Pradesh and four other states to strategize on ensuring a safe and successful pilgrimage of the devotees. Officials from neighboring states were also urged to issue ID cards to the Kanwar pilgrims from their respective regions. 

In the meeting, officials stated that Kanwar pilgrims will not be allowed to carry spears, tridents, or any kind of weapon. There will be no ban on DJs on the Kanwar Yatra route, but the sound must be within the prescribed legal limit. The Kanwar Yatra will be monitored by CCTV and drones. Special attention will be given to devotees carrying the national flag during the Yatra. 

*Eight combined control rooms to be set up in UP and Uttarakhand*

Chief Secretary Manoj Kumar Singh mentioned that the Kanwar Yatra will start on July 22 in the state. Senior officials from Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan participated in the Kanwar Yatra Coordination Meeting in Meerut. Senior officials from the bordering districts of Meerut joined the meeting online, while officials from the range and division were present. 

The Chief Secretary stated that a WhatsApp group has been created for all 12 districts of the Kanwar route. This group is divided into two parts: one for senior officials and the other for police station-level officers to share information. 

He further mentioned that for security reasons, the entire route has been divided into five zones. Health camps and Kanwar camps will be set up at various places along the route, providing resting, dining, and accommodation facilities for the pilgrims. Separate camps will be arranged for women. 

Health camps will also have anti-venom injections available. Eight combined control rooms will be set up in UP and Uttarakhand, operated by officials from both states to ensure all necessary facilities for the Kanwar pilgrims.

*All states to provide ID cards to pilgrims*

DGP Prashant Kumar said that changes have been made in the traffic system in view of the Yatra. The entry of heavy vehicles will be banned from the routes from which the Yatra starts. Additionally, heavy vehicles will be banned from 12 midnight of July 21 on Delhi Expressway, Dehradun Expressway and Chaudhary Charan Singh Kanwar Marg. 

He further mentioned that the police will regulate the songs played by DJs and the sound limits during the Yatra. Special security measures will be in place on the borders of Delhi, Haryana, Uttarakhand, and Rajasthan, with active dog squads, bomb disposal teams, IB, intelligence, and LIU teams.

Liquor and meat shops along the Kanwar route will be closed. Electric poles will be covered with polythene and transformers with nets to prevent any accidents. Camps along the Yatra route will be set up away from highways and expressways. 

DGP Kumar also mentioned that officials from other states have been instructed to provide ID cards to the Kanwar pilgrims to ensure they can be contacted and assisted in case of any issues. Additionally, the villages and police stations of the groups of pilgrims should be noted.