With the rise in the number of Kanwariyas in Haridwar, senior police officers are worried over mismanagement prevailing in the district. Garhwal Range IG Sanjay Gunjyal has pulled up Haridwar SSP Rajeev Swaroop for failing to manage the Kanwar Mela effectively. IG has also reversed the recent order of the SSP by which he had reverted a sub-inspector and three other policemen to police line from police station with the Kanwar mela going on in full swing.
IG Gunjyal said that additional police forces have been recently deployed in Haridwar district in view of large numbers of Kanwariyas reaching here to take holy dip and fetch Gangajal to pour it at their neighbourhood Shivalayas. The numbers of Kanwariyas has risen this year as compared to the previous few years. “Our priority is to complete Kanwar Mela peacefully and successfully in the district,” he added.
Sources said that IG Gunjyal expressed disappointment over mismanagement prevailing during ongoing Kanwar Mela in the district, causing traffic jams and inconvenience to the Kanwariyas, commuters and local residents alike.
He had directed SSP Swaroop to utilize police forces effectively to ensure peaceful completion of Kanwar Mela in the district.
Adequate numbers of policemen should be deployed to manage traffic system at crowded areas in the district. The police officer was directed to focus on Kanwar Mela and deploy the police forces at important places to facilitate the Kanwariyas for completing their pilgrimage, the senior cop is learnt to have told the district police officers.
The police officers were directed to ensure that they follow the guidelines released by the state police for peaceful conduct of Kanwar Mela in the district. Kanwariyas coming in Haridwar from neighbouring states-Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Himachal, Haryana, Punjab and other parts of the country- are not be allowed to carry DJ (Disk Jockey), loudspeakers and hockey sticks, he added.
Notably, SSP Swaroop had reverted SIIDCUl Police Station in-charge Rituraj Singh Rawat, sub-inspector Deepak Kathait, constables Ravindra and Balwant to police line after they were caught neglecting their duty. IG Gunjyal has reversed his order and said that no one should be transferred when th big event is on. He directed SSP Swaroop to focus on Kanwar Mela and take effective measures for peaceful completion of the event.