Enhanced Surveillance and Security Measures Implemented for Peak Kanwar Yatra

As Kanwar Yatra peaks, Haridwar's administration tightens security with drones, CCTV cameras, and focused monitoring from a Command Control Center. Amid an influx of Kanwariyas, security measures and traffic management are robustly enforced. The Supreme Court extended an order regarding the display of owner names at food outlets along the route.

With the Kanwar Yatra hitting its peak, the Haridwar district administration is ramping up security, utilizing drones and over 300 CCTV cameras to monitor the Kanwar route and Kanwariyas. Surveillance is managed from a Command Control Center to ensure smooth operations.

Haridwar Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramod Singh Dobal announced that approximately 50 lakh Kanwariyas have already departed with 'Gangajal.' "We are deploying additional forces wherever necessary and will begin our diversion plan tomorrow," Dobal mentioned to ANI, emphasizing the use of four drones and extensive CCTV coverage.

The influx of pilgrims to Haridwar has led to stringent security measures. The area has been organized into 14 superzones, 35 zones, and 132 sectors for efficient management. This sacred month, observed mainly in July and August, sees devotees engage in worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to the deity of destruction and transformation. The Hapur administration in Uttar Pradesh has similarly installed CCTV cameras and stationed security personnel along the Kanwar Yatra route.

Vineet Bhatnagar, Additional SP of Hapur, told ANI, "Our division includes 5 zones, 17 sectors, and 39 sub-sectors, with security forces working in shifts. We've implemented traffic control and set up multiple control rooms." Meanwhile, the Supreme Court extended an interim order staying directives for food outlets along the route to display owner names.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, representing the Uttar Pradesh government, stated that regulations under the Central Law Food and Safety Standards Act, 2006, require food sellers to display their names. The bench clarified that while voluntary display is allowed, mandatory enforcement is not. Last week, the Uttar Pradesh government advised food outlets on this along the Kanwar Yatra routes.

(With inputs from agencies.)