Delhi CM Rekha directs officials to ensure medical care, tight security for Kanwar Yatra

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Thursday directed officials to ensure round-the-clock medical services, stronger security arrangements, and improved civic facilities for devotees during the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, as the government stepped up preparations for one of the Capital’s largest annual religious gatherings.

Chairing a high-level review meeting of the Kanwar Committee, the Chief Minister asked departments to complete all arrangements in time so that registration of Kanwar committees can begin from July 1 without delays.

The Chief Minister instructed officials to inform existing Kanwar committees in advance about documentation requirements and annual audit formalities to avoid last-minute problems during registration.

The meeting was attended by Art and Culture Minister and Kanwar Committee Chairman Kapil Mishra, committee member MLAs Ajay Mahawar, Anil Vajpayee, Kartar Singh Tanwar, Sanjay Goel, and Umang Bajaj, along with senior officials from Delhi Police, the Revenue Department, Public Works Department, Municipal Corporation of Delhi, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Jal Board, DUSIB, and other agencies.

Officials from different departments presented updates on preparations related to traffic management, sanitation, healthcare, water supply, and security arrangements for the pilgrimage season.

According to the Revenue Department, 308 Kanwar camps operated across Delhi last year. Officials informed the meeting that direct transfer of grant funds into the bank accounts of Kanwar committees and the introduction of a single-window system had improved transparency and reduced operational difficulties.

Public representatives and committee members reportedly appreciated the system, saying it helped streamline permissions and administrative procedures for camp organisers.

During the meeting, representatives of Kanwar committees raised concerns over the existing grant amount, saying rising costs of tents and infrastructure had made it difficult for larger camps to manage arrangements effectively.

Some committee members suggested that the government either increase financial assistance or revive the earlier system in which tents and related infrastructure were provided directly by authorities.

Responding to the demands, the Chief Minister assured the representatives that the government would examine the proposals positively. She said the administration was prepared to enhance grants if required and stressed that providing proper facilities to devotees remained a priority.

The meeting also focused on shortcomings experienced during last year’s yatra and measures needed to avoid similar issues this year. Committee members sought better quality mobile toilets, regular sanitation services, uninterrupted water supply, round-the-clock healthcare facilities, sufficient gas cylinder availability, and stronger preparations to deal with waterlogging during the monsoon season.

The Chief Minister also emphasised the need for clear accountability among departments responsible for sanitation and civic maintenance during the yatra period. Healthcare arrangements received special attention during the review meeting. The Chief Minister directed officials to deploy doctors and healthcare staff in shifts so that medical assistance remains available at all Kanwar camps throughout the day and night. She also instructed authorities to ensure the availability of emergency services and basic medicines for devotees travelling through Delhi.

Security and traffic management plans were reviewed in detail. The Chief Minister directed Delhi Police and Traffic Police to complete preparations related to barricading, route diversions, deployment of PCR units, and accident prevention measures along Kanwar routes well before the pilgrimage begins.

Officials were also asked to prepare plans for welcome gates, flower showers, and reception arrangements for Kanwariyas entering the Capital through major routes. The government said the objective was to ensure a smooth, safe, and organised pilgrimage experience for devotees arriving in Delhi during the Shravan season.