Chief Minister Shri Pushkar Singh Dhami held a review meeting with administrative and police officials on Tuesday through video conferencing regarding the preparations for the upcoming Kanwar Mela-2025.

Mahesh Chandra - Delhi

The Chief Minister reviewed the arrangements of previous years and asked to analyze the challenges arising from the point of view of law and order and ensure corrective steps, so that there is no recurrence this year. He said that effective crowd control, traffic management and security arrangements should be ensured to prevent any kind of vandalism, disturbance or other undesirable incidents in this huge religious event. Complete verification of camp operators, working persons, volunteers and persons staying in hotels / dharamshalas should be done. The Chief Minister directed to ensure deployment of X-ray systems, fire extinguishers, fire tenders and personnel at all major sites. Also asked for special monitoring on the quality of food and beverages and to make strong arrangements for the prevention of waterborne diseases. Emphasis was laid on taking the help of volunteers in crowd management, continuous monitoring with CCTV and drones and keeping the intelligence system active. Instructions were given to make a separate plan for better traffic management and to publicize it widely so that the devotees do not face any inconvenience. Keeping in mind the terrorist threats, instructions were given to ensure the deployment of ATS and special security forces.

The Chief Minister asked to make arrangements for ambulances and backup at the ghats of Haridwar, Neelkanth Mahadev temple and other major places, to deploy adequate male and female security personnel in plain clothes and to keep divers and water police equipped with disaster relief equipment on alert mode. The Chief Minister also directed that the use of loud sound amplifiers, DJ and loudspeakers on the Yatra routes should be regulated. Corrective work should be done by identifying black spots to prevent accidents. Information about 'what to do and what not to do' should be given to Kanwar pilgrims through pamphlets, hoardings, public announcements and social media.

The Chief Minister asked to run a publicity campaign to prevent Kanwariyas from carrying sticks, batons, sharp objects etc. He also directed to strictly enforce the ban on sale of intoxicants, alcohol and meat on the Yatra routes and to ensure adequate basic facilities like electricity, water, medical etc. In view of the increasing number of women Kanwariyas, it was asked to ensure special police arrangements at women ghats and dharamshalas for their safety. He directed to increase inter-state coordination and exchange information immediately, monitor social media and take strict action against those spreading rumours and ensure immediate denial of related posts.

The Chief Minister directed all the departmental secretaries and Inspector Generals of Police to review the preparations by conducting a field inspection of the Kanwar Mela area in the next three days and finalise the action plans of their respective departments.

Home Secretary Mr. Shailesh Bagoli, Director General of Police Mr. Deepam Seth, Disaster Management Secretary Mr. Vinod Kumar Suman, Garhwal and Kumaon Commissioner and other officers were present in the meeting.

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