PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haridwar
In order to ensure a safe and well-organised Kanwad Mela slated from July 30 to August 11, an inter-state coordination meeting was held in the Mela control office in Haridwar on Friday under the chairmanship of Uttarakhand’s chief secretary Anand Bardhan.
The State administration said that the meeting discussed in detail law and order, security, traffic management, crowd control, health services, sanitation, drinking water, communication, disaster management and coordination between the states concerned. It was decided that for the effective management of the Kanwad Mela, prompt information exchange among the states would be ensured. In addition, joint checkpoints and barriers would be set up with the police of neighbouring states on the borders of Uttarakhand, while developing a shared surveillance system. Clear instructions were issued to the effect that the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor (Expressway) will not be used for the Kanwad Yatra.
Addressing the meeting, Bardhan said that as the Kanwad Yatra is one of the largest religious events in the country, in which millions of devotees carry Ganga water from Haridwar and depart for their respective destinations, effective coordination among all states and agencies concerned is an imperative. Giving top priority to the convenience, safety and ease of the yatra, he urged all states to remain vigilant throughout the yatra period.
He stated that though Haridwar is a major hub for the yatra, any incident in any state or district along the route has widespread impact. “Therefore, all states must ensure comprehensive security, traffic and disaster management preparations in their respective areas,” he stated.
The CS directed that information regarding the yatra’s guidelines, restrictions and safety standards be effectively provided at the initial entry points for the pilgrims. He said that all pilgrims should be encouraged to carry valid identification cards while the complete ban on entering the yatra with any lethal weapon or prohibited material should be strictly enforced.
To inspire the devotees to undertake a disciplined and safe yatra, he laid stress on the messages of prominent saints and religious gurus being widely publicised through various media platforms.
He also directed adequate arrangements for sanitation, drinking water, medical services and other basic amenities be made along the pilgrimage routes.
To ensure effective implementation of this arrangement, he directed officials in Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to ensure the necessary arrangements are made in a timely manner.
He further stressed on effective coordination between the social media cells and cyber units of all states regarding rumours and misleading information. Directing railway officials, he said that proper arrangements should be made for the operation of special trains, crowd management at stations and security during the yatra.
Among those present at the meeting were the Uttarakhand director general of police, Deepam Seth; director general of police (Intelligence), Abhinav Kumar; Home secretary, Shailesh Bagauli and district magistrate, Haridwar, Mayur Dixit.
