The Delhi Police are fully prepared to ensure the safety of thousands of pilgrims traveling to and from Haridwar. In this sacred month of Sawan, robust security arrangements are in place throughout the capital for the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. More than 5,000 police officers are joined by 50 companies of paramilitary forces, providing extensive surveillance through drones and CCTV cameras on the Kanwar route.
A senior officer explained that a comprehensive plan is in place, involving drone patrolling, CCTV surveillance, traffic diversions, and checkpoints in sensitive areas. He said, ''We've ramped up monitoring around sensitive zones with the help of home guards and paramilitary forces. Additionally, special vigilance is observed by police around Shiva temples and Kanwar camps.''
Delhi has so far marked 774 locations as Kanwar camps, with 374 camps already approved and 150 pending approval. The focus for police and administration is maintaining law and order, ensuring smooth traffic flow, and providing timely assistance to pilgrims. PCR vans, QRT, and ambulances have been deployed for this purpose.
At major routes, including National Highways 1 and 9, as well as in the outer, northeastern, eastern, and Shahdara districts of Delhi, tight surveillance is maintained. Pilgrims carrying sacred Ganges water on foot or in vehicles are allowed access only through designated entry points. Delhi Police has specified several special routes for Kanwar pilgrims.
Source: aajtak
Key locations include Ghazipur Border, Anand Vihar, Bhopura, Apsara, Maharajpur, Loni Border, and ISBT Kashmiri Gate. Wazirabad to Bhopura, GT Road, and Loni Road are also designated as Kanwar routes. Police have urged the public to avoid these routes unless necessary. Emergency services and essential vehicles will face no restrictions, though.
Helpline numbers have been set up to assist Kanwar pilgrims instantly in any situation. All 15 district DCPs have been directed to be present on-site and ensure coordination with civil administration. This decision is deemed crucial for managing any emergencies or crowd control during the gathering.
Special teams are formed to counter any threats during this religious congregation, ongoing until July 22. All station in-charges are instructed to remain in regular contact with local Kanwar camp organizers to ensure compliance with security protocols. The disaster management authority of the Delhi government is also fully prepared.
Response teams, equipped with water tankers, fire brigades, medical teams, and disaster management tools, are on active mode. Given the monsoon, extra precautions are taken to maintain road safety and unobstructed pilgrim movement. Each year, millions of devotees walk from Haridwar carrying Ganges water to their respective Shiva temples, passing through various parts of Delhi.
