The recently posted District Magistrate of Haridwar, Deependra Kumar Chaudhari said that it is a challenging task to look after the interests of both the Kanwad pilgrims and the local residents. The district administration is trying to maintain balance between the two. So far 96 lakh Kanwadias had come to Haridwar and returned to their destinations.
The DM stressed that the required expansion near Har ki Paidi is a long term policy matter and in the meantime, the administration is trying to ensure the convenience of the pilgrims and locals by controlling the flow of traffic on national highway. The DM said this while interacting with the media along with senior superintendent of police Janmejay Khanduri at the Haridwar Press Club. The DM stressed on the importance of a positive attitude for resolving the issues and the challenges faced during fairs and festivals. Speaking on the major challenge in the district, the SSP said, “Haridwar is the most crime prone district in the State.
Though there is a defined route for Kanwadias to follow – the Nehar Patri Marg, during Dak Kanwad when the rush of visitors increases, sometimes we have to facilitate an alternate way and open national highway for them. So far the crowd has been manageable and no traffic jam or major traffic snarl occurred on the national highway.” Replying to a question on measures being taken to check rising liquor problem in the district, the SSP said that liquor and drugs were a social evil which is prevalent across the world.
He said that de-addiction awareness campaigns shall be carried out in schools and colleges to inform youngsters about the harm caused by substance abuse. “Catching one group providing liquor stealthily and putting it in jail would not help stop this menace. People are to be made aware of its ill effects. People must inform us where such things are distributed and parents have to keep an eye on the whereabouts of their children, then alone can this problem be checked.” The DM expressed satisfaction at the increased budget for Kanwad Mela this year. “The State has sanctioned Rs two crore for the Kanwad Mela. Some works of permanent nature would be undertaken. Work on public utilities and expansion without blocking the view of holy landmarks shall be proposed.” On polythene problem both the officials stressed on intensive checking at the source, from where the polythene is supplied, rather than concentrating on the small traders who use them.