PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE /Dehradun/ Haridwar
The Uttarakhand police have claimed to have made elaborate arrangements to ensure fool-proof security for the devotees during Kanwad Yatra. Around 10,000 police personnel have been deployed across the State to manage the crowd and maintain law and order.
The Inspector general of police (Garhwal) Rajeev Swaroop told The Pioneer that police personnel along with PAC, SDRF, Jal police, ATS and dog squads have been deployed at different locations. “CCTV cameras and modern control rooms will be used to monitor the Yatra area,” he added.
The superintendent of police, Dehradun (traffic) Jitender Choudhary said that police and administrative officials have jointly inspected the Yatra routes, parking areas and other arrangements. “Parking has been arranged at the IDPL area in Rishikesh. Devotees will proceed towards Neelkanth Mahadev from there. This is expected to reduce traffic pressure inside the city,” he said.
However, the movement of Kanwadiyas on the Mussoorie route will also remain completely restricted to prevent disruption to tourist traffic and local movement. To help traffic run smoothly, heavy vehicles coming from Paonta Sahib towards Haridwar will be diverted through Yamunanagar and Saharanpur.
In Haridwar, more than 6,000 police personnel will be deployed. The security arrangements will also include 13 companies of central paramilitary forces, PAC, IRB, SDRF, Home Guards and PRD personnel. The entire Yatra area has been divided into 18 super zones, 40 zones and 141 sectors.
The Haridwar police will also use 10 drones, CCTV cameras, dog squads and bomb disposal teams for security and surveillance. The senior superintendent of police, Haridwar, Navneet Singh has instructed personnel to carry raincoats, torches and other essential safety equipment due to the monsoon. They have also been directed to immediately inform senior officers about any important information or emergency.
Police further said that the assistance centres have been set up at several locations. Police, fire and medical teams will remain available 24 hours a day to assist devotees and respond to emergencies.
