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Uttarakhand Police Headquarters stated that, in view of the safe, peaceful, and well-organised conduct of the upcoming Shravan Kanwar Mela 2026, a high-level review meeting was held today at the Police Headquarters under the chairmanship of Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth.
Senior officers from the Police Headquarters, along with Superintendents of Police from the Kanwar Yatra districts--Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, the Government Railway Police (GRP), and the Commandant of SDRF--participated in the meeting through video conferencing, according to a release. Reviewing the preparations, the DGP said that the Kanwar Mela is a massive and highly sensitive religious event. Ensuring the safety of pilgrims, smooth movement, effective traffic management, and maintaining law and order are the top priorities of the Uttarakhand Police. He directed all officers to complete preparations well in advance and coordinate closely with concerned departments and neighbouring states. The DGP instructed officials to identify sensitive and high-footfall areas along the Kanwar routes and deploy adequate police personnel, reserve forces, and women police officers. To strengthen security, teams of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), Special Task Force (STF), and intelligence units will remain deployed at key locations, with continuous surveillance of suspicious persons and activities. The release stated that the Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) will remain on standby to respond immediately to any emergency. SDRF teams and divers will also be stationed at major bathing ghats to ensure swift rescue and relief operations whenever required. He directed that a comprehensive traffic management plan be prepared covering Kanwar routes, national highways, alternate routes, parking areas, holding zones, and diversion points. The traffic advisory will be widely publicised across Uttarakhand as well as Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Delhi, and other neighbouring states through hoardings, digital platforms, and social media, enabling pilgrims to plan their journey in advance. A contingency plan should also be kept ready to deal with any emergency, the release noted. Timely diversion of heavy vehicles, establishment of temporary police posts, mobile patrolling, and dedicated routes for foot pilgrims and Dak Kanwariyas should be ensured. Alternative traffic arrangements must also be implemented to minimise inconvenience to local residents. The DGP further instructed that the entire Kanwar route, including railway areas associated with the Kanwar Mela, be divided into Super Zones, Zones, and Sectors for systematic deployment of police personnel. This will ensure effective crowd management and security at railway stations, platforms, foot-over bridges, waiting halls, and onboard trains. For enhanced security, 24x7 surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones will be ensured at major religious sites, bathing ghats, Kanwar routes, and other crowded locations. Fire safety audits of parking areas, holding zones, and public places should be completed in advance, and adequate firefighting resources must remain available to handle any emergency. As per the release, the DGP directed strict enforcement of all safety norms during the Kanwar Yatra. Wide public awareness campaigns should be conducted regarding prescribed standards for the size of Kanwars and the prohibition on travelling on train rooftops. The use of DJs and loudspeakers must comply with the decibel limits prescribed by the Supreme Court, and regular inspections should be carried out at state borders and along Kanwar routes. He also instructed that the Police Social Media Cell regularly disseminate updates related to traffic diversions, weather, security, and other important advisories. These updates should also be shared by tagging the official social media handles of police departments in neighbouring states for wider outreach. Continuous monitoring of social media should be carried out to promptly counter misinformation and objectionable content through appropriate legal action. A dedicated team of Cyber Commandos will camp in Haridwar to maintain 24x7 monitoring of social media and cyberspace and respond swiftly to any cyber-related challenges. The DGP emphasised the importance of interstate coordination and emergency preparedness, directing regular coordination meetings with police officials from neighbouring states and districts to ensure timely sharing of intelligence inputs, the release stated. Special attention should also be given to the welfare of police personnel deployed during the Kanwar Mela. Adequate arrangements for accommodation, food, drinking water, rest areas, and other essential facilities should be made near their duty points to maintain their morale and operational efficiency. As per the release, he further instructed officers to ensure respectful and sensitive behaviour towards pilgrims while keeping strict watch on anti-social elements and individuals attempting to disturb communal harmony. Immediate and stringent legal action must be taken against anyone trying to disrupt law and order. The DGP said that Uttarakhand Police is fully committed to ensuring that the Kanwar Mela 2026 is conducted peacefully, safely, and in a well-coordinated manner through dedication, vigilance, and a spirit of public service. (ANI)
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