The Uttarakhand Police has put in place special traffic and security arrangements for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, with authorities holding a coordination meeting on Wednesday to ensure the smooth movement of pilgrims travelling to the Neelkanth temple on foot and by vehicle.
The annual Kanwar Yatra will be held from July 30 to August 11.
Dehradun Rural Superintendent of Police (SP) Jai Baluni said the meeting focused on coordination among the police and administrative authorities of Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti and Laxman Jhula to facilitate hassle-free movement of devotees.
“A coordination meeting was held today specifically focusing on the traffic arrangements for those travelling to Neelkanth, both on foot and by vehicle. This includes ensuring coordination between Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti, and Laxman Jhula so that the Neelkanth Yatra proceeds without any issues. We discussed various parking spaces, including the IDPL parking area in Muni Ki Reti, the traffic movement plan and the main duty points,” Baluni told ANI.
She said IDPL has been designated as the primary parking site for pilgrims travelling to Neelkanth. Devotees arriving in larger vehicles will park there and continue their journey on foot via the barrage, while those in smaller vehicles will take the Natraj Bypass through Muni Ki Reti towards Garud Chatti.
Baluni said the designated return route will be via the barrage from Laxman Jhula and through Chila. However, if the Bin River is in spate or after 6 pm, when vehicular movement is restricted, traffic will be diverted through Shyampur towards Haridwar via the barrage.
She said police have identified key parking areas, traffic routes and deployment points to effectively manage the expected rush during the pilgrimage.
“Every year, Kanwar pilgrims come for this journey, and Uttarakhand always welcomes them warmly. This year too, we are making full preparations to ensure their Kanwar Yatra is smooth, safe and pleasant. We appeal to them to come with a positive spirit and take back good memories. Our efforts are focused on making their journey safe, and we ask them to conduct their pilgrimage peacefully and avoid any kind of disturbance or conflict,” she said.
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage during which devotees of Lord Shiva, known as Kanwariyas, travel to sacred sites such as Haridwar, Gaumukh and Gangotri to collect holy water from the Ganga. The water is carried in containers known as kanwars and later offered at Shiva temples as part of the Jalabhishek ritual.
(With inputs from ANI)
