Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 26 Jun: A high-level meeting was held here on Wednesday at Patel Bhawan Auditorium under the chairmanship of Director General of Police Deepam Seth to review preparations for the upcoming Kanwad Mela 2025 during the holy month of Shravan. Senior police officials from across the state and district-level officers participated in the session.
The DGP stressed that the Kanwad Mela is a major religious gathering and ensuring its peaceful and secure conduct is the topmost priority for the police. He directed that sensitive and densely crowded areas be identified in advance, with adequate deployment of experienced personnel, women officers, and reserve forces. Anti-Terror Squads, bomb disposal units, and intelligence teams will be stationed at strategic points to monitor any suspicious activity.
A comprehensive traffic plan covering all major and alternative routes, Kanwad paths, and parking zones will be publicised across neighbouring states through hoardings and digital platforms. Heavy vehicle diversions, temporary police posts, mobile patrolling, and safe routes for, both, foot and Dakiya Kanwadiyas will be ensured.
Surveillance will be intensified with 24×7 monitoring through CCTV cameras, drones, and body-worn cameras. The mela control room will remain active with a Quick Response Team to handle emergencies. Social media will be used to share verified updates and counter misinformation swiftly.
Basic amenities including drinking water, medical aid, mobile toilets, night shelters, and dharamshalas will be arranged in coordination with the local administration. Verification of individuals staying at these facilities will be mandatory. In case of overcrowding at Haridwar, alternative ghats will be promoted.
Inter-state coordination meetings will be held with police from bordering districts, and SOPs will be enforced for rapid response to intelligence inputs. Mock drills, disaster management teams, and special security arrangements will be in place at key locations like Har Ki Pauri, Neelkanth Temple, railway stations, and bus stands.
Sale of meat, liquor, and intoxicants will be strictly prohibited in sensitive areas. Devotees will be treated with respect, and anti-social elements will be closely monitored. The DGP assured that Uttarakhand Police is fully committed to ensuring a safe, disciplined, and well-organised Kanwad Mela.
The meeting was attended by Additional Director General of Police (Crime & Law and Order) V Murugesan, Additional Director General of Police (Administration) AP Anshuman, Inspector General (P&M) Vimmi Sachdeva, Inspector General (PAC) Neeru Garg, Inspector General (Fire) Mukhtar Mohsin, Inspector General/Director Traffic Narayan Singh Napalchyal, Inspector General (SDRF) Arun Mohan Joshi, Inspector General (Garhwal Range) Rajeev Swaroop amongst others.
