Dehradun: In a move aimed to preserve the sanctity of the Kanwar Yatra, the Uttarakhand government has decided to cover liquor shops located along the pilgrimage route with curtains. The decision comes ahead of the annual pilgrimage undertaken by Lord Shiva’s devotees during the holy month of Shravan.
In Uttarakhand, the Kanwar Yatra will be held from 11 July (Starting of Hindu Sawan Month) to 23 July (Shivratri).
Step is being taken to ensure that the religious sentiments of devotees
According to Haridwar District Excise Officer Kailash Chandra Binjola, around 28 liquor shops situated on highways and roads used by Kanwariyas have been identified. “These shops, along with their signboards, will be covered with curtains. There is no plan to shut them,” Binjola said. The official emphasized that the step is being taken to ensure that the religious sentiments of devotees are not hurt and the pilgrimage proceeds peacefully. “Initial surveys have shown that there are about 28 such shops which fall on the route taken by Kanwariyas. These will be covered before the start of the pilgrimage,” he added. Moreover, shop owners have been warned that notices will be issued if they fail to comply with the directive.
Preparations being undertaken by the state administration
This measure is part of a broader set of preparations being undertaken by the state administration to ensure a smooth and respectful Kanwar Yatra. Dhabas and hotels along the route have been instructed to display the names of owners, valid food licences, menus, and rate lists prominently.
CM Dhami stressed the importance of monitoring traffic using drones and AI technology
Last week, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami chaired a high-level meeting to review the arrangements for the upcoming yatra. He directed officials to ensure a clean, safe, and secure environment for the devotees. Among the key decisions taken was the development of the Uttarakhand Kanwar Seva App, which will provide real-time information and assistance to pilgrims.
To maintain hygiene and manage the large influx of devotees, mobile toilets, drinking water facilities, and waste disposal vehicles will be deployed every 1–2 km within a 30 km radius of Haridwar, Roorkee, Rishikesh, and nearby areas. Health centres, ambulances, and medical staff will be stationed every 5 km to handle emergencies.
The Chief Minister also stressed the importance of monitoring traffic using drones and AI technology and instructed officials to crack down on the spread of fake or misleading news on social media during the yatra.