UP’s urban bodies set to shine during Kanwar Yatra, Sawan Mela and festivals.

Lucknow : In response to the directives issued by Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath for the Kanwar Yatra, Sawan Mela, and other festivals scheduled for the upcoming Shravan month, the Urban Development Department has released specific instructions, aiming to ensure enhanced cleanliness, lighting, and drinking water arrangements in the urban areas of the state.

The department has made compliance with the various guidelines aimed at strengthening arrangements mandatory. Principal Secretary of the Urban Development Department, Amrit Abhijat, stated, “All urban bodies in the state must stay vigilant and proactive during the Kanwar Yatra, Sawan Mela, and other festivals in the month of Shravan. We are committed to ensuring that devotees and citizens face no inconvenience. To achieve this, all relevant departments and bodies have been instructed to adhere to these guidelines promptly. The success of this effort will depend on the cooperation of the public.”

The mandatory guidelines are the following: 

Cleanliness arrangements: A special deployment of sanitation workers will be arranged for Shivalayas and along the Kanwar Yatra route. The collected garbage will be promptly transported to sanitary landfill sites. Regular spraying of bleaching powder, malathion dust, and lime will be conducted in the Kanwar Yatra route area. Additionally, anti-larva spraying and fogging will be carried out in the camp areas. Community toilets will be cleaned and sanitized twice daily. 

Drainage arrangements: Proper arrangements for drainage will be made along the Kanwar Yatra routes and underpass areas. Anti-larva spray and fogging will be carried out in waterlogged places. Action will be taken to cover open drains with slabs.

Provision of Clean Drinking Water: Water tanks and drinking water stations will be set up along the Kanwar Yatra route and in camp areas. With the support of the public, refreshments like shikanji will also be made available for the Kanwariyas.

Lighting arrangements: Repair and maintenance of street lights will be ensured. Regular power supply will be ensured on Kanwar Yatra routes and camp areas. Barricading of transformers and hanging wires will be repaired.

Ban on plastic products: Special campaign will be run against banned plastic carry bags and disposable products made of thermocol. Efforts will be made to make Kanwar Yatra a zero plastic event.

Traffic management and pothole-free routes: Patchwork and repairs will be conducted to ensure the Kanwar Yatra route is free of potholes. Traffic will be managed through the Integrated Command and Control Center (ICCC) and Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS).

Other arrangements: Proper arrangements for overnight stay of devotees will be made with public cooperation. The availability of divers and skilled volunteers will be ensured. Stray cattle will be housed in cow shelters, and measures will be taken to prevent aggression from dogs, monkeys, and pigs. People will be encouraged not to use loud musical instruments.