On the direction of Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, Haryana Director General of Police Shatrujeet Kapur on Tuesday said that the State Police has made elaborate security arrangements for Kanwar Yatra. The senior police officers have been issued necessary directives to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees during the Kanwar Yatra. Additionally, all police personnel have been directed to remain alert to prevent any untoward incidents and to maintain law and order during the yatra, he added.

To facilitate the Kanwar Yatra, a dedicated lane has been created for the pilgrims and social organisations have set up camps along the route for night halts, which are being closely monitored.

Kapur said that with the Shivratri festival on August 2, millions of devotees will walk from Haridwar with Kanwars, carrying holy water to offer to Lord Shiva. Extra police force has been deployed along all routes used by the pilgrims to ensure their convenience and maintain law and order. Specific plans have been prepared to prevent criminal activities at communally sensitive locations.

Traffic arrangements have been made to ensure smooth movement on routes heavily used by devotees, with 24-hour patrolling in place. An alternative traffic diversion plan has been prepared to facilitate the yatra. Security arrangements have also been made at tolls to prevent disputes between pilgrims and toll staff.

He further said that considering the large number of female devotees participating in the yatra, special police duty has been assigned to prevent incidents of harassment. Well-equipped striking reserves have been prepared to handle any law and order situations. Surveillance is being maintained on anti-social elements who might disguise themselves as Kanwariyas to incite communal unrest. Quick response teams have been deployed to tackle any potential terrorist attacks or communal incidents. Strong security measures are in place at sensitive religious sites along the route to prevent disputes or riots. Carrying illegal weapons during the yatra is strictly prohibited, he added.