PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
Uttarakhand police have stepped up preparations for the upcoming Kanwad Mela slated to begin on July 30. The director general of police (DGP) Deepam Seth held a high-level review meeting at the Police headquarters on Wednesday to check security, traffic management and emergency arrangements. “The safety of Kanwad pilgrims, smooth traffic movement and maintaining law and order are the top priorities of the police”, DGP averred. He directed all districts to complete preparations in advance and work in close coordination with the neighbouring states and other government departments.
“Police will deploy extra forces at sensitive and crowded places along the Kanwad route. Teams of the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), Special Task Force (STF) and intelligence units will remain on alert throughout the yatra. Rapid Response Teams (RRTs) will be ready to handle any emergency. SDRF teams and divers will also be deployed at major bathing Ghats for rescue operations,” he stated.
The DGP also directed officials to prepare a detailed traffic plan covering highways, alternate routes, parking areas and diversion points. Heavy vehicles will be diverted during fixed timings, while separate routes will be arranged for walking and Dak Kanwadiyas. The traffic plan will be shared through social media and digital platforms so that devotees can plan their journey in advance.
To strengthen security, the entire Kanwad route will be monitored round the clock through CCTV cameras and drones. Police will also ensure that DJs and loudspeakers follow the noise limits fixed by the Supreme Court and that pilgrims do not travel on train rooftops, the top cop informed.
He further said that a special team of Cyber Commandos will stay in Haridwar and monitor social media and cyberspace 24 hours a day to stop rumours and take action against fake or misleading posts. “Uttarakhand police are fully committed to ensuring that Kanwad Mela is conducted peacefully, safely and in an organised manner, sans the least hitch anywhere,” he affirmed.
