‘Kanwariyas’ on their way to bring the holy water of River Ganga for Lord Shiva’s worship ahead of the beginning of the holy month of ‘Shravan’ in Haridwar, on July 9, 2025.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Uttar Pradesh is ramping up security for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra by deploying personnel from the Provincial Armed Constabulary, Anti-Terrorist Squad and the Rapid Action Force along the pilgrimage route.
A statement further said “587 gazetted officers, 2,040 Inspectors, 13,520 Sub-Inspectors, and 39,965 head constables” have been deployed for the yatra. The government has also arranged 29,454 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras, 395 drones, 829 medical camps and 1,222 police helpdesks along the route through which Kanwariyas from Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and various districts of Uttar Pradesh will pass while returning from Haridwar after performing parikrama.
Also read: Identity checks along Kanwar route spark row between Samajwadi Party and BJP in Uttar Pradesh
Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath directed officials to adopt a zero-tolerance approach towards those attempting to defile food items or engaging in similar disrespectful acts, stressing that such persons must face the strictest punishment to ensure the sacred nature of Kanwar Yatra is not compromised.
The administration said comprehensive arrangements for tents, food, and other essential facilities along the route, such as electricity and lighting arrangements, as well as cleanliness along the Kanwar path, will be of the highest standard. “We have created WhatsApp groups for all 12 districts of the Kanwar route, including for senior officials and other personnel to share information,” said a local police official.
Last year, the State made headlines when the government made it mandatory for food and beverage shops along Kanwar routes to display the name and identity of the operator/owner. Kanwar Yatra, the annual pilgrimage journey of Lord Shiva’s devotees, is slated between July 11 and July 23.
Published – July 10, 2025 09:47 pm IST
