Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 8 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today conducted a comprehensive review through video conferencing with the administrative and the senior police officials to evaluate the preparedness for the forthcoming Kanwar Mela 2025. Scrutinising the arrangements made in previous years, he reviewed the challenges faced in maintaining law and order and directed officials to implement appropriate corrective measures to avert any recurrence of lapses this year.
The CM emphasised on the importance of effective crowd regulation, traffic control, and stringent security protocols to preclude incidents of vandalism, disorder, or any other untoward activities during this large-scale religious gathering. He also instructed the authorities to ensure thorough verification of camp organisers, staff members, volunteers, and individuals residing in hotels and various dharamshalas.
Dhami further directed installation of X-ray scanners, deployment of fire extinguishers and fire-tenders, and assignment of personnel at all key locations. He also directed rigorous monitoring of food and beverage quality and directed proactive measures to mitigate the risk of water-borne illnesses. Emphasising on greater coordinated efforts, the CM asked the officials to also involve volunteers in crowd management, round-the-clock surveillance via CCTV cameras and drones, and the activation of the intelligence apparatus. He also instructed the officials to draft a distinct and exhaustive traffic management plan and to ensure its widespread dissemination to alleviate any inconvenience caused to the devotees.
In view of possible terrorist threats, Dhami instructed deployment of the Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) and specialised security units. He further directed that ambulances and emergency backup systems be arranged at prominent locations, including around the ghats in Haridwar and Neelkanth Mahadev Temple. Ensuring gender-sensitive policing, he also stressed on sufficient deployment of male and female personnel in civil attire and instructed that divers and water police outfitted with disaster relief equipment be kept in a state of heightened preparedness.
In addition, the CM further emphasised on the need to regulate the use of loudspeakers, high-volume sound equipment, and DJs along the pilgrimage routes. He directed that hazardous black spots be identified and rectified to prevent road mishaps. He stated that Kanwar pilgrims should be made aware of essential guidelines and safety instructions through pamphlets, hoardings, audio announcements, and social media platforms.
