With the annual Kanwar Yatra set to begin from July 11, Delhi Education, Home, and Power Minister, Ashish Sood, announced several key measures , including up to 1,200 units of free electricity for each camp and financial aid through Direct Benefit Transfers (DBT) to registered Kanwar committees.
To further ease the process, the government has also slashed the required security deposit for temporary electricity connections — Kanwar organisers will now need to pay just 25% of the usual amount. Sood said these measures are aimed at reducing the financial burden on organisers and ensuring that all camps operate safely and efficiently.
The meeting, chaired by Sood, was attended by Minister-in-Charge for Kanwar Yatra Kapil Mishra, MLAs Anil Sharma, Sanjay Goyal, and Pradhuman Rajput, along with senior officials from departments including Delhi Police, MCD, DJB, Health, Power, and Fire Services. Sood directed all departments to begin preparations without delay, stating that all arrangements must be completed “on a war footing” to ensure a safe and organised Yatra.
Beginning July 1, Kanwar committee registrations will open at all District Magistrate (DM) offices across Delhi. The registration counters will operate from 9 AM onwards. To streamline the process, Additional District Magistrates (ADMs) in each of Delhi’s 11 districts have been appointed as nodal officers responsible for assisting the committees in obtaining necessary permissions and No Objection Certificates (NOCs). A complete list of these officers will be made public to ensure transparency and smooth communication.
The Minister instructed all departments to work in close coordination with these nodal officers to avoid bureaucratic delays.
He also emphasised the importance of maintaining law and order and ensuring that all facilities at the Kanwar camps — including sanitation, clean drinking water, healthcare services, power supply, and emergency support — are available round the clock.
Officials from the Delhi Jal Board have been tasked with ensuring an uninterrupted water supply to the camps, while the Health Department has been asked to provide mobile medical units and first-aid stations. The Power Department will be responsible for expedited meter installation and monitoring electricity usage at camps. Fire Services have been directed to carry out safety inspections and place fire-fighting equipment at larger camps.
Ashish Sood reiterated that the Delhi Government is fully committed to supporting religious and cultural events while prioritising public safety and convenience. He called on all departments to work with urgency and sincerity. “The goal is to create a safe, clean, and well-managed environment for the Kanwariyas and those involved in the Yatra,” he said, stressing the importance of strong administrative support for large public gatherings.