Saturday, 27 JULY 2024 | PNS | DEHRADUN
A significant rise in the number of Kanwadias flocking to Haridwar has led to a considerable surge in encroachments on several main roads and internal routes. This growing influx of devotees has intensified the presence of vendors selling Kanwad-related items on main roads, lanes and neighbourhoods since the Kanwad Yatra started on July 22. The officials said that this rise in encroachments is causing considerable inconvenience for both the police and local residents. The increased number of unauthorised vendors is not only blocking essential pathways but also contributing to traffic congestion and safety hazards. Locals are finding it increasingly difficult to navigate the already crowded streets and the police are stretched thin managing both the crowd and the encroachments. Due to this increased congestion just within five days, the police have been facing challenges in maintaining order. Several vendors can be seen encroaching upon routes in prominent areas of Haridwar such as Har Ki Pauri, Mansa Devi Temple, the post office and the market areas and Registry office junction among several others. Over 30 lakh Kanwadias have visited Haridwar in the past five days and this number is expected to reach around three to five crores in next seven days. Considering this, authorities have undertaken a major operation to remove temporary encroachments to address the issue. The officials informed that zonal police officers, assistant zonal police officers, sector police officers, paramilitary forces along with a significant police presence have been deployed to clear market areas of temporary stalls, street vendors, handcarts and temporary structures made of tarpaulins and tin sheets. The officials said that the continuous rise in the number of Kanwadias poses an ongoing challenge, demanding vigilant and sustained efforts from the police and city administration. They stated that the police and district administration have taken extensive measures to accommodate and manage the influx but the growing number of encroachments is making it increasingly difficult for them to ensure proper arrangements for an organised Kanwad Yatra. The Haridwar senior superintendent of police Pramendra Dobhal said that the teams have been deployed in the district to keep an eye on encroachments to ensure the smooth flow of pilgrims and maintain order during the pilgrimage.
