The Uttar Pradesh Police has intensified security protocols in anticipation of the Kanwar Yatra, concentrating on preventing theft incidents at Kanwar camps.

In a video announcement, Muzaffarnagar City SP Satyanarayan Prajapat mentioned that police personnel will be stationed at all Kanwar camps within the district to deter theft occurrences. He also noted that CCTV cameras have been installed in these camps.

The Kanwar Yatra commenced on Friday, marking the beginning of the sacred month of ‘Sawan’.

The official stated, “Considering the forthcoming Kanwar Yatra, our past experiences indicate that during this period, there have been instances of motorcycle and mobile theft within Kanwar camps. Police will be present at all Kanwar camps in the district to prevent any gang from executing such crimes. CCTV systems have been set up, and additional police forces will also be deployed.”

He further mentioned, “To date, notices have been issued to approximately 1200 individuals.” The Uttar Pradesh Police have mobilized the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Quick Response Team (QRT), and Anti-Terror Squad to guarantee the safe execution of the Kanwar Yatra.

As per the directives from Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Krishna, a total of 587 Gazetted Officers, 2040 Inspectors, 13,520 Sub-Inspectors, 39,965 Head Constables and Constables, 1,486 Women Sub-Inspectors, 8,541 Women Head Constables and Constables, 50 Companies of Central Police Force, Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC), and 1,424 Home Guards have been deployed.

Plans are underway for continuous 24/7 patrolling. UP-112 personnel have been informed regarding this, and their vehicles have been prepared. Local divers have been assigned to the banks of rivers and canals following thorough training and briefings. Barricades and warning signs are also being established along the riverbanks.

A total of 395 drones have been deployed to facilitate the smooth operation of the Yatra.

A total of 1,845 water service centres, 829 medical camps, and 1,222 police help centres along with control rooms have been established along the primary Kanwar route.

In accordance with the directives from the DGP, the administration has deployed 29,454 CCTV cameras along the Kanwar route and within all camps following an anti-sabotage inspection. These cameras, along with drones, will facilitate real-time monitoring.

An eight-member team has been established at the Social Media Centre of the DGP Headquarters, tasked with forwarding all social media inputs related to the Kanwar Yatra to the appropriate district. This team will also work to counter misinformation and take action against those disseminating false information. Additionally, another eight-member team has been set up at the DGP headquarters, which will remain vigilant around the clock to monitor inputs from electronic media, UP-112, and other sources.

To enhance coordination among officials from UP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan, an inter-state WhatsApp group has been created. This group will facilitate the exchange of real-time information regarding route statuses, security measures, and crowd management, as outlined by the DGP.

For effective traffic management, sufficient lighting, electronic signboards, and indicator signs have been installed at key intersections and routes. Several highways have been designated for traffic diversion due to congestion on the Kanwar route. The DGP has indicated that the planned barricading and route diversion strategy is currently being rehearsed.

Information regarding traffic diversions will be disseminated promptly through press releases, various newspapers, local channels, and social media.

Instructions have been issued to ensure that the Kanwariyas travel exclusively on the left side of the highways, and that Bhandaara or camps are permitted to set up only on the left side, maintaining a distance of 20 feet from the road.

In line with these guidelines, sufficient measures have been implemented to ensure the safety of women kanwariyas. Prompt action will be taken upon receiving any reports of inappropriate conduct towards them by any individual or other kanwariya groups.

Hotels and dhabas along the Kanwar route will be monitored in collaboration with the food department to uphold quality standards. Additionally, a price list for food items will be prominently displayed to prevent shopkeepers from overcharging.