PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun
Stating that Uttarakhand police do not compromise the measurement guidelines of the Kanwad (bamboo pole balanced on shoulders), tableaux and DJs to avoid electrocution through contact with overhead power lines and ensure overall safety of the Kanwadyas, the inspector general of police (Garhwal), Rajeev swaroop urged those who prepare Kanwads to keep them under the prescribed measurements. “Please keep the maximum height of a walking Kanwad at six feet and tableaux at 10 feet”, he said, adding that QR codes for route guidance have also been introduced to help the Kanwadyas. Notably, the Kanwar Mela began on July 30 and will continue till August 11.
“Special security measures are being taken for the period from August 8 to 11, when a large number of Dak Kanwad pilgrims are expected and the Shravan Shivratri Jalabhishek will be held,” IG said.
On Monday, police shared data showing that more than 76.85 lakh pilgrims have already passed through Haridwar, while over 5.72 lakh pilgrims have visited Neelkanth. Besides, more than 70,000 vehicles have also entered the mela area. To manage the large crowd, the mela has been divided into 22 super zones, 67 zones and 200 sectors, with police officers deployed in each area.
The police have deployed civil police, paramilitary forces, ATS, Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), SDRF and Jal police at sensitive locations, major ghats and temples. “For better monitoring, 10 drone surveillance zones have been created in Haridwar and four additional drones have been deployed in the Neelkanth and Rishikesh areas. More than 529 CCTV cameras are being monitored round the clock from the Char Dham Control Room,” Swaroop informed.
“SDRF and Jal police teams have rescued 18 Kanwadyas while they were drowning and the lost and found cell has reunited 20 missing people with their families,” he said. He appealed to the devotees to follow the traffic plan, avoid spreading rumours and immediately report any suspicious activity to the police.
