Uttarakhand police start registration for Kanwar Yatra

In a first, the Uttarakhand police have started registration of pilgrims for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra which is expected to draw around 4 crore devotees to Haridwar. The registration, however, is not mandatory, the police have clarified.

Director General of Police Ashok Kumar said the data bank will help the police to ensure the safety of pilgrims and better management of pilgrimage.

He said the registration is not mandatory and they have just requested devotees to get themselves registered for their ease and comfort during the pilgrimage.

“In case of any mishap, we can also contact their family members,’’ he added.

Expecting a record pilgrim turnout on the lines of the Char Dham Yatra, the police have beefed up the overall security arrangements for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra commencing after a gap of two years owing to Covid-19 in 2020 and 2021.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has instructed officials to ensure a hassle-free pilgrimage for all. Recently, the police had chalked out an elaborate traffic diversion plan for the yatra.

Around 10,000 security personnel, including home guards, will be deployed for maintenance of law and order and management of traffic movement during the Kanwar yatra, the police said.

The state police chief, however, warned that the police will not tolerate hooliganism during the pilgrimage and added that DJ sets, which create noise pollution, will not be allowed during the yatra. CCTVs and drone cameras will also be used for effective surveillance, he said.