The Uttar Pradesh Police have put in place extensive security arrangements for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, which begins on July 11.
The deployment includes the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Quick Response Teams (QRT), Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), and other specialised units to ensure a peaceful and safe pilgrimage.
According to guidelines issued by Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Krishna, the deployment includes 587 gazetted officers, 2,040 inspectors, 13,520 sub-inspectors, 39,965 head constables and constables, 1,486 women sub-inspectors, 8,541 women head constables and constables, 50 companies of Central Police Force and Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC), and 1,424 home guards.
For round-the-clock vigilance, UP-112 teams have been briefed and provided with vehicles. Local divers have been stationed on riverbanks after undergoing proper training. Danger signs and barricading are being installed near water bodies for additional safety.
A total of 395 drones will be used for aerial surveillance, and 29,454 CCTV cameras have been installed along the Kanwar route and camps after anti-sabotage checks. Real-time monitoring will be conducted through these surveillance systems.
To assist devotees, the administration has set up 1,845 water service centres, 829 medical camps, and 1,222 police help centres and control rooms. Information such as mobile numbers of police officers, traffic diversion schemes, and emergency contacts will be shared via barcodes in newspapers, hoardings, and social media.
An eight-member team has been constituted at the Social Media Centre of DGP Headquarters to track misinformation related to the Yatra and take action against rumour-mongers. Another eight-member team will monitor inputs from media, UP-112, and other sources 24x7.
To streamline coordination, an inter-state WhatsApp group has been formed with officials from UP, Uttarakhand, Haryana, and Rajasthan to share real-time updates on routes, crowd management, and security.
For traffic regulation, highways have been identified for diversions, and arrangements such as lighting, digital signboards, and indicator signs are in place. Rehearsals for route diversion schemes are being carried out, and updates will be shared through press releases and social media.
Devotees are being advised to avoid speeding. Bhandaara and camp setups will only be allowed on the left side of highways, at least 20 feet from the road.
Special arrangements have been made to ensure the safety of women Kanwariyas. Immediate action will be taken against any incident of misbehaviour. Hotels and dhabas along the route will be monitored in coordination with the food department to maintain hygiene standards, and rate lists will be displayed to prevent overcharging.