Haridwar district administration and Haridwar police are now giving final touches to their preparations with Kanwar Mela beginning on Tuesday. While briefing the officials, IG Garhwal Sanjay Gunjyal directed them to have zero tolerance for the subversive elements while on duty during the period of the mela.
He said, “At no point would we compromise on the law and order situation. At the same time, full support would be rendered to the Kanwar pilgrims coming to the city to fetch holy water from Har Ki Pauri.”
Twelve companies of PAC and six companies of paramilitary forces together with SDRF would assist the local police teams, said the IG. IG Garhwal also launched a mobile application during the briefing.
Speaking to The Pioneer, Gunjyal said, “The whole Kanwar Mela area would be under the surveillance of highly sensitive CCTV cameras which have facility not only of face recognition but also number plate recognition and voice recording. Some cops would also roam about the mela area under the saffron garb of Kanwariyas to keep an eye on the movements of the pilgrims.”
There would be ban on DJs as every year. This year, trident (Trishul) larger than six inches would not be allowed too. This specification has been decided to stop such religious symbols from being misused, said SSP Rajeev Swaroop while talking to The Pioneer. Besides, random checking of identification cards at entry points, roadways busses and trains would be carried out by police personnel, SSP said.
Additional district magistrate (Admin) J S Nangiyal said, “The officials for various utilities for the Kanwar Mela would be on alert for 24 hours. Random inspection would be done for the same.”