DGP Deepam Seth held a review meeting regarding the preparations for Kanwar Mela 2026. He described the safety of pilgrims, effective traffic management and maintaining law and order as the top priority of the police. Instructed the officials to complete all preparations on time.
Dehradun (Uttarakhand) [भारत]July 15 (ANI): Uttarakhand Police Headquarters informed that in view of the safe, peaceful and well-organized conduct of the upcoming Shravan Kanwar Mela 2026, a high-level review meeting was held under the chairmanship of Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth at the Police Headquarters today. According to a release, the meeting was attended by senior officers of Police Headquarters along with Superintendents of Police of Kanwar Yatra districts – Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, Government Railway Police (GRP) and Commandants of SDRF through video conferencing.
Reviewing the preparations, the DGP said that the Kanwar Mela is a huge and highly sensitive religious event. Safety of pilgrims, smooth movement, effective traffic management and maintenance of law and order are the top priorities of Uttarakhand Police. He directed all the officers to complete the preparations well in time and establish close coordination with the concerned departments and neighboring states.
There will be strict security arrangements
The DGP directed officials to identify sensitive and overcrowded areas on Kanwar routes and deploy adequate police force, reserve force and women police officers. To strengthen security, teams of Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), Special Task Force (STF) and intelligence units will be deployed at key locations, with constant surveillance on suspicious persons and activities. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) will be on standby to respond immediately to any emergency, the release said. SDRF teams and divers will also be deployed at major bathing ghats to ensure quick rescue and relief operations if needed.
Instructions for making detailed traffic management plan
He directed that a comprehensive traffic management plan be prepared covering Kanwar routes, National Highways, alternate routes, parking areas, holding zones and diversion points. The traffic advisory will be widely publicized through hoardings, digital platforms and social media in Uttarakhand as well as in Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi and other neighboring states, enabling pilgrims to plan their journey in advance. A contingency plan should also be kept ready to deal with any emergency, the release said. Timely diversion of heavy vehicles, establishment of temporary police posts, mobile patrolling and dedicated routes for pilgrims on foot and Dak Kanwariyas should be ensured. Alternative transport arrangements should also be implemented to minimize inconvenience to local residents.
Fair area will be divided into zones and sectors
The DGP further directed that the entire Kanwar route, including the railway area associated with the Kanwar Mela, be divided into super zones, zones and sectors for systematic deployment of police personnel. This will effectively ensure crowd management and safety at railway stations, platforms, foot-over bridges, waiting halls and inside trains.
Violations of rules and rumors will be monitored
For enhanced security, 24×7 surveillance will be ensured through CCTV cameras and drones at major religious places, bathing ghats, Kanwar routes and other crowded places. Fire safety audit of parking areas, holding zones and public spaces should be completed in advance, and adequate fire fighting resources should be available to deal with any emergency. According to the release, the DGP directed to strictly implement all safety norms during the Kanwar Yatra. A massive public awareness campaign should be conducted regarding the standards set for the size of Kanwar and the ban on traveling on train roofs. The use of DJs and loudspeakers must adhere to the decibel limit set by the Supreme Court, and regular inspections must be conducted at state borders and on Kanwar routes.
Cyber commando team will monitor
He also directed that the police social media cell should regularly disseminate updates related to traffic diversion, weather, safety and other important advisories. These updates should also be shared by tagging the official social media handles of police departments of neighboring states for wider reach. Social media should be continuously monitored through appropriate legal action to counter misinformation and objectionable content. A dedicated team of cyber commandos will be camped in Haridwar to maintain 24×7 surveillance of social media and cyberspace and respond immediately to any cyber-related challenges.
Emphasis on inter-state coordination and welfare of policemen
Emphasizing the importance of inter-state coordination and emergency preparedness, the DGP directed to hold regular coordination meetings with police officers of neighboring states and districts to ensure timely sharing of intelligence inputs. Special attention should also be given to the welfare of the police personnel deployed during the Kanwar Mela. Adequate arrangements for accommodation, food, drinking water, rest areas and other necessary facilities should be made near their duty points to maintain their morale and operational efficiency. According to the release, he directed the officials to ensure respectful and sensitive behavior towards the pilgrims while keeping a close watch on anti-social elements and persons attempting to disturb communal harmony. Immediate and strict legal action should be taken against anyone trying to disturb law and order. The DGP said that Uttarakhand Police is fully committed to ensure that Kanwar Mela 2026 is conducted in a peaceful, safe and well-coordinated manner through dedication, vigilance and the spirit of public service. (ANI)
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