Sunday, 21 JULY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
The additional director general of police (Law and Order) AP Anshuman on Saturday briefed personnel deployed for duty during the Kanwad Yatra slated to start from Monday in which the authorities expect 5.5 crore visitors. In Haridwar, the Kanwad Mela area has been divided into 13 super zones, 31 zones and 126 sectors. In addition to the forces deployed, retired police personnel will also help in management of the Kanwad Mela this time. Further, 22 drone cameras will be used to monitor the entire Mela area in addition to the CCTV cameras. To assist the pilgrims, the Haridwar police have set up 21 help centres at various locations where police, fire and medical personnel will remain present. In addition to this, a separate team will be deployed for police welfare and raincoats, medicines, drinking water and biscuits along with other items will be distributed by it. Addressing the personnel in briefings held in Haridwar and Rishikesh, Anshuman said that considering the previous Kanwad Yatra and the crowds experienced during the ongoing Char Dham Yatra, the Kanwad Yatra this year should be taken up as a challenge which has to be addressed successfully. The personnel should immediately inform their officers to stop the spread of rumours and in case of any accident. Inspector general Karan Singh Nagnyal shared his experiences of last year’s Kanwad Yatra while directing the personnel to keep an alert eye on all activities in their surroundings while also effectively implementing the traffic plan. IG Krishna Kumar VK directed the police force to remain very alert regarding anti-social elements especially regarding possibilities of religious sentiments being inflamed, objectionable songs played out loud and a minor incident being exaggerated on social media.The police personnel were told to behave in a controlled and cordial manner while on duty, guiding the devotees and providing them necessary help. Considering the large number of pilgrims and vehicles expected to arrive, they should be made to park their vehicles at the identified parking places where basic facilities should also be ensured for the visitors. Proper verification should be conducted of those setting up temporary shops on the Kanwad route and those coming from outside for business. Senior superintendent of police of Haridwar, Dehradun, Tehri and Pauri were also present in the briefings.
