UP Police Beef Up Security As Kanwar Yatra Resumes

Pronoy Shukla

| Updated: 14 July, 2022 8:42 pm IST

LUCKNOW: As the Kanwar Yatra resumes after a COVID-induced gap of two years, the Uttar Pradesh police have made extensive arrangements to ensure its smooth passage.

To maintain the security arrangements, more than 150 PAC companies have been sent out. In addition, 20 companies of central paramilitary forces from the Centre were requisitioned, of which 11 paramilitary companies were also stationed along the Kanwar road.

The UP police have identified 927 sensitive areas. Along the course, 1195 fast reaction teams will also be placed on the route. The plans are in effect from July 14 through August 12.

Due to the migration of many kanwariyas, the district administrations of Meerut and Varanasi have been instructed to send out more police officers and traffic personnel.

The Uttar Pradesh Police has issued instructions for the Kanwar Yatra that forbid the selling of meat and alcohol along the kanwariyas’ routes. Additionally, no transportation of meat or animal corpses will not be permitted along these routes. “All routes utilized by kanwariyas must include high-quality food offered by roadside vendors,” said the UP police.

Police officers equipped with breathalyzers have been stationed to keep an eye out for anti-social elements. Signboards and electronic digital screens are to be used to alert drivers along these roads about traffic detours. All sites that have been designated as sensitive have been heavily guarded, said the UP Police.

There will be elaborate preparations made for the fooding and lodging of the devotees, along with the medical care while travelling. Loudspeakers will also be permitted to be played, keeping in mind the High Court’s directives. Social groups would be hosting camps during the Kanwar Yatra to provide medical facilities and washrooms for the devotees, the UP Police said.