Preparations for Kanwar Yatra in full swing in UP, special focus on crowd management
Meerut: Police and administration have started extensive preparations for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra in Uttar Pradesh. This year, during the Yatra, maximum emphasis is being given on crowd management, security arrangements and traffic control. The administration says that this time the crowd management model adopted during Mahakumbh will be used in conducting the Kanwar Yatra, so that the movement of lakhs of devotees can be ensured in a safe and orderly manner.
In this sequence, Additional Director General of Police (ADG) of Meerut Zone Bhanu Bhaskar has issued detailed guidelines regarding Kanwar Yatra. These instructions specifically mention the rules regarding size, sound level and operation of Kanwar and DJ (sound system). Officials have been instructed to strictly follow these rules and take action against violators as per rules.
Limit fixed on height of Kanwar and DJ
As per the guidelines issued, the height of the Kanwar and the DJ or other structures accompanying it should not exceed 10 feet. Their maximum width has been fixed at 12 feet. The administration believes that if the height or width exceeds the prescribed limit, there can be increased danger in passing under power lines, bridges and other structures, due to which there is a possibility of accidents.
Officials said that by following the prescribed standards, traffic on the Yatra route will remain smooth and unnecessary obstructions will not arise among the crowd.
Strictness on noise pollution also
In view of the excessive use of DJ and music system during Kanwar Yatra, the administration has also issued clear guidelines regarding sound level. According to the order, the sound of the music system used in the journey will be limited to a maximum of 75 decibels.
Police say that loud DJs not only increase noise pollution, but in case of emergency, the instructions given by the police and administration also do not reach the people. Therefore adherence to noise limits has been made mandatory.
Legal action will be taken against those who break the rules
ADG Bhanu Bhaskar has given clear instructions that if any person or group violates the set standards, legal action will be taken against him. In such cases, necessary action will be taken by registering a case against the concerned people.
Police officers have been instructed to inform all the rules to Kanwar committees, DJ operators and organizers even before the start of the Yatra, so that no inconvenience or dispute arises later.
Crowd management will be on Mahakumbh model
This time the strategy adopted in Mahakumbh will be used for crowd management during Kanwar Yatra. According to the administration, the crowd pressure on the Yatra route will be continuously assessed and if necessary, route diversion, barricading and movement of devotees will be ensured in a phased manner.
A large number of police forces, PAC and traffic police will be deployed on the yatra routes. Apart from this, major places will be monitored through CCTV cameras, drones and control rooms, so that immediate action can be taken in case of any emergency.
Special attention to safety and traffic system
The administration said that arrangements for medical aid, ambulance, fire brigade, drinking water and other necessary facilities will also be made on the yatra route. Additional police forces will be deployed in sensitive areas and continuous patrolling will be done.
To maintain the smooth traffic system, diversion plans are also being prepared on various routes. Information about alternative routes will be made available to local people and drivers in advance so that they do not have to face unnecessary trouble.
Appeal for cooperation from devotees
The police and administration have appealed to the Kanwar pilgrims, organizers and DJ operators to follow the guidelines issued and cooperate in making the Yatra peaceful and safe. Officials say that the rules have been made for the purpose of safety of devotees and maintaining public order.
The administration also clarified that if all the devotees follow the prescribed rules then the Yatra can be conducted without any hindrance.
In view of the possibility of lakhs of devotees participating in the Kanwar Yatra this year, the Uttar Pradesh government and the police administration want to avoid any kind of negligence. For this purpose, a detailed action plan has been prepared in advance regarding security, crowd management and traffic arrangements, so that the devotees can experience a safe, smooth and organized journey.