Haridwar: With the Kanwar Yatra 2025 set to begin today, Uttarakhand’s police and administrative machinery has swung into action, deploying an extensive security and management plan across Haridwar.
The Haridwar city, which expects millions of Shiva devotees over the coming weeks, has been divided into 16 super zones, 37 zones, and 134 sectors to streamline operations and ensure public safety.
Every inch must be monitored
A high-level briefing was held on Wednesday at the police line’s multipurpose building in Roshanabad, attended by senior officials including ADG Crime and Law and Order V. Murugeshan, ADG Intelligence AP Anshuman, IG Traffic NS Napchyal, IG Garhwal Rajiv Swaroop, DM Haridwar Mayur Dixit, and SSP Pramod Singh Dobal.
ADG Murugeshan emphasized the scale of the challenge, calling the Kanwar Yatra a “major responsibility” that demands vigilance at every level. “No incident is small. Every inch must be monitored. Rumour control and swift response are key to maintaining peace,” he said.
A close watch on anti-social elements and monitor social media for inflammatory content
ADG Anshuman urged personnel to keep a close watch on anti-social elements and monitor social media for inflammatory content. IG Napchyal stressed the importance of 24-hour traffic surveillance, while IG Swaroop called for systematic implementation of the traffic plan and strict enforcement of no-parking zones.
District Magistrate Mayur Dixit highlighted the need for inter-departmental coordination, stating, “Police administration is the backbone, but every department must work in sync to ensure a safe Kanwar fair.” SSP Dobal issued practical instructions for field personnel, advising them to carry raincoats, torches, ORS, and lemonade to stay alert and hydrated during long shifts.
Duty will be conducted in two shifts: 7 AM to 8 PM and 7 PM to 8 AM. Personnel are required to keep contact numbers of their zonal officers and must not leave their posts without replacements. Private vehicles are banned in the Har Ki Pauri area to prevent congestion.
The deployment plan includes: 1 SP, 14 ASPs, 28 COs, 57 Inspectors, 370 SIs and ASIs, 7 Traffic Inspectors, 29 TSIs/ASIs, 1,146 Head Constables and Constables, 171 Trainee Head Constables, 114 Reserves, 10 PAC-IRB companies, 9 Paramilitary companies, 2 ATS teams, 8 Horse Mounted Police teams, 6 Bomb Disposal and Dog Squad teams, 10 SDRF and NDRF teams, 11 drones for aerial surveillance and 23 Fire Service teams, 700 Home Guards, 313 PRD personnel, and 742 SPOs will remain deployed for the Kanwariya’s safety and to maintain law and order.
The Kanwar Yatra, which commences in the holy month of Sawan, draws lakhs of devotees who carry sacred Ganga water to offer at Shiva temples. With heightened religious fervor and increased footfall, the administration is focused on maintaining order, preventing stampedes, and ensuring the sanctity of the pilgrimage.
Advisories to pilgrims, urging them to follow designated routes, avoid risky behavior
Officials have also issued advisories to pilgrims, urging them to follow designated routes, avoid risky behavior, and cooperate with security personnel. The elaborate zone-wise deployment and surveillance infrastructure reflect the state’s commitment to managing one of India’s largest religious gatherings with discipline and sensitivity.
