PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami ordered that effective crowd control, traffic regulation and security arrangements must be ensured during the Kanwad Yatra to prevent any incidents of vandalism, unrest or other unwanted activities. Dhami also directed the deployment of anti-terrorism squad and special security forces in view of potential terror threats. He directed that all camp operators, workers, volunteers and people staying in hotels or dharamshalas be fully verified. Last year, several cases of physical fights, vandalism and disorder were reported from different areas during the Yatra. Considering this, the CM instructed the police to take all necessary steps to prevent such situations this time. Dhami reviewed the preparations for Kanwad Yatra through a video conference on Tuesday with senior administrative and police officials. He asked them to assess arrangements made in previous years and identify shortcomings that led to law and order issues, suggesting corrective actions be implemented without delay. He directed to focus on strong surveillance through CCTV and drones and an active intelligence network throughout the event. He instructed officials to install X-ray systems and fire safety equipment at key locations and to deploy fire tenders and personnel. Dhami also called for strict monitoring of food and drinking water quality to prevent waterborne diseases. Volunteers are to be used for crowd management and the Traffic police must prepare a separate plan for vehicular movement and ensure its wide publicity to avoid inconvenience to pilgrims. He said that ambulances and backup teams should be stationed at Haridwar ghats, Neelkanth Mahadev temple and other important sites. Both male and female security personnel in plain clothes should be deployed adequately. The Water Police and rescue divers equipped with disaster relief gear must remain on alert. He ordered that the use of loudspeakers, DJs and high-decibel sound systems on the Yatra route be regulated. Black spots along the travel routes should be identified and repaired to avoid accidents. He also directed that Kanwad pilgrims be informed through pamphlets, hoardings, public announcements and social media about dos and don’ts during the Yatra. Dhami said that awareness campaigns should be conducted to stop pilgrims from carrying sticks, rods or sharp objects. He also instructed strict enforcement of the ban on the sale of alcohol, meat and intoxicants along the Yatra route. Basic services such as electricity, water and medical care must be ensured at all points. Recognising the increasing number of women pilgrims, he asked officials to ensure special security arrangements at women’s ghats and dharamshalas. He called for improved coordination with neighbouring states for quick exchange of information and said any attempts to spread rumours on social media must be monitored and countered immediately with official clarifications. The CM asked all departmental secretaries and police inspectors general to inspect the Kanwad Yatra area within three days and finalise their action plans.
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