Garhwal Post Bureau
Haridwar, 21 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today directed the officials to complete all the arrangements on time to ensure the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, beginning on 30 July, is conducted safely, orderly and successfully. He issued these directions while chairing a high level meeting held at the Mela Control Room here. Emphasising that the safety and convenience of pilgrims is the state government’s highest priority, the CM asked every related department to ensure there are no lapses at any level and that all arrangements are implemented with sensitivity, coordination and a spirit of service.
Dhami also directed that appropriate arrangements be made for pilgrims’ reception and hospitality and that adequate, clean pink toilets be installed at major sites for female pilgrims. The CM conducted a detailed assessment of preparations and observed that the Kanwar Mela is not only a religious event but also a testament to Uttarakhand’s faith, administrative capability, service ethos and efficiency. He said the administration should work towards the goals of a safe Kanwar, well-organised Kanwar and clean Kanwar Yatra, and that every pilgrim should return from Devbhoomi Uttarakhand safe, satisfied and with a pleasant experience.
The CM also observed that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership India has achieved notable successes across sectors despite global challenges, and Uttarakhand has recorded unprecedented progress in various fields. He noted that pilgrimage and tourism continue to be major pillars of the state’s economy, with more than 4.5 million pilgrims visiting the Char Dham so far this year and over 55,000 undertaking the Adi Kailash pilgrimage. Authorities expect up to three times more pilgrims to arrive in the state this season, and a record turnout for the Kanwar Yatra is anticipated. Consequently, he instructed that arrangements be scaled accordingly while preserving religious traditions and dignity.
He urged the local representatives, social organisations, voluntary groups, traders, clergy and the saintly community to collaborate in making the mela’s conduct more effective. He directed the preparation and dissemination of video messages based on appeals by clerics and saints to encourage disciplined and respectful conduct among Kanwariyas.
The CM also ordered deployment of additional police personnel in sensitive and highly sensitive areas and effective use of CCTV cameras, drones and AI-based surveillance across the mela zone. He underscored the need for swift and stringent action against those who disrupt law and order, and directed close monitoring and prompt action against those spreading rumours or misleading information on social media.
He instructed strict implementation of traffic plans during the Kanwar Yatra and directed separate traffic arrangements for pilgrims and local residents where necessary, so as to avoid inconvenience to the public. He emphasised that pilgrim movement must not be hindered by VIP movements under any circumstances.
Dhami directed that adequate medical camps, ambulances, doctors and paramedical staff be stationed at major halting points and mela areas, and ordered deployment of water ambulances at principal ghats. He asked that SDRF, NDRF, marine police and fire services remain fully alert. Preparations and rapid-response mechanisms must be in place to tackle heavy rainfall, waterlogging or other emergencies.
He instructed provision of sufficient drinking water, toilets, rest areas, lighting and sanitation along the entire Kanwar route and within mela zones, and ordered regular cleanliness drives alongside strict implementation of the no-plastic campaign. He also directed immediate post-event cleaning to restore sites to their original condition.
The CM also directed regular inspections of food quality at hotels, dhabas and other establishments, with licences and registrations displayed prominently. He warned that any irregularity or incident affecting public order must be dealt with immediately.
