The mela administration has relaxed the traffic plan for the forthcoming snans of April. Based on the past experience which saw low snan turnouts, the route diversion plan would be implemented only if the influx of pilgrims rises. To reach the sanctum sanctorum for holy dip, the pilgrims will be allowed to take the normal route of upper road without any diversion.
For the two snans falling in the month of April, the pilgrims will not be required to go through the serpentine queues made of bamboo poles, but would head straight to the sanctum sanctorum, say the mela officials. The sixth snan of Chaitra Amavasya is falling on April 7 known as Chaitra snan and that of Chaitra Shukla Pratipada is falling on 8 April coinciding with the first Navratra.
An estimated number of 30 lakh pilgrims is expected to come to the holy city on these two snans. Speaking to The Pioneer, IG Ardh Kumbh Mela G S Martolia said, “After reaching Haridwar at Rishikul bus stand and Haridwar railway station, the pilgrims would be allowed to reach the Har Ki Pauri through upper road. During normal days also, no four wheeler is allowed after post office so that the pilgrims can walk straight to Har Ki Pauri via moti bazaar and upper road.”
Eighteen companies of paramilitary forces from the Centre have arrived on Wednesday, informed the IG Mela police. “We are prepared for the snans from security point of view and arrangements have been made to cater to the heavy rush of pilgrims. The cops have already been deputed on sensitive locations a day ahead of the snan,” said Martolia.
To cater to the rush of pilgrims, mela administration has chalked out two plans- a normal and emergency plan. When the rush would increase, the busses will be stopped at Bairagi camp. Dakshdweep, Neeldhara, Dheerwali and Motichur. They would otherwise be allowed to reach Rishikul bus stand. Depending on the situation, the routed diversion will be implemented.