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Ahead of the Kanwar Yatra, the Uttar Pradesh administration has implemented a comprehensive route diversion plan to ensure safe and accident-free movement of vehicles during the festival, police officials said on Wednesday.
According to Muzaffarnagar SSP Sanjay Kumar Verma, the entry of heavy vehicles into the district will be completely prohibited from the night of July 29-30 till August 12. On NH-58, the left lane from the Haridwar side will be reserved for devotees from July 29-30 to August 4, while the right lane will remain open for light vehicles coming from both Meerut and Haridwar. Furthermore, traffic on NH-58 will be completely prohibited from August 4 to August 26, with both lanes reserved exclusively for Kanwariyas. Additionally, Joint Commissioner of Police Rajeev Narayan Mishra highlighted extensive arrangements made for Kanwar Yatra devotees, stating that the Uttar Pradesh police administration has put robust measures in place along key routes. Speaking to ANI, the Joint Comissioner mentioned that the entire Police Commissionerate area has been divided into 20 zones and 60 sectors, with designated two-kilometre patrol beats and liaison officers assigned to each zone and a sector to coordinate with Kanwar groups. Furthermore, 3,000 CCTV cameras have been installed along the routes at critical locations of the state. Moreover, a close watch is being kept on liquor and meat shops in these areas. "The month of Sawan is about to begin, and adequate police arrangements have been put in place to facilitate pilgrims and devotees offering water at Shiva temples.... Extensive police arrangements have been made along key routes, and 28 temporary police posts have been established, each staffed with an adequate police force. The entire Police Commissionerate area has been divided into 20 zones and 60 sectors, with designated two-kilometre patrol beats. Liaison officers have been assigned to each zone and sector to coordinate with the Kanwar groups... 3,000 CCTV cameras have been installed along the routes and at other critical locations. Additionally, a close watch is being kept on liquor and meat shops along these routes. Continuous on-site inspections of all locations and routes have been conducted by ACPs, ADCPs, the concerned DCPs, and myself..." said Police Joint Commissioner Rajeev Narayan Mishra. Meanwhile, Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said all preparations for the Kanwar Yatra have been completed, and the state is ready to welcome devotees to "Devbhoomi". Speaking to reporters, CM Dhami said he has personally reviewed arrangements for the pilgrimage, including facilities for collecting holy water, cleanliness, accommodation, transport and security. "Preparations are complete, and we will welcome all the Kanwariyas to Devbhoomi Uttarakhand. I have personally held meetings to oversee all arrangements--be it the designated spots for collecting holy water, cleanliness, accommodation, transport, or security. We have deployed the Water Police and have also diverted traffic across various routes to ensure no one faces inconvenience. At the same time, I urge everyone to adhere to the pilgrimage guidelines. We have made every effort to ensure your yatra is pleasant and safe. I welcome everyone and extend my best wishes,' CM Dhami said. Additionally, CM Dhami directed officials to ensure comprehensive arrangements for the safe, smooth, and successful conduct of the Kanwar Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on July 30. He said the safety and convenience of devotees remain the state government's highest priority and instructed all departments to complete preparations well in advance without any lapses. Chairing a high-level review meeting in Haridwar, the Chief Minister said, "Kanwar Yatra is not only a major religious event but also reflects Uttarakhand's administrative efficiency, service spirit, and organisational capability." 'Sawan' month holds a special place in Hindu mythology. Devotees undertake fasts and offer prayers to seek the blessings of Lord Shiva during this period. The chanting of Shiva mantras, singing bhajans (devotional songs), and performing Rudrabhishek (ceremonial bathing of Shiva Lingam with holy substances) are common practices observed with fervour across households and temples during the 'Sawan' month. (ANI)
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