Govt proposes doubling grants for large Kanwar camps to Rs 15 lakh
The Delhi Government has proposed significantly enhancing financial assistance for Kanwar Samitis across all camp categories. Chief Minister Rekha Gupta announced on Sunday that the largest camps, spread over more than 20,000 square feet and operating for 6 to 12 days set to receive up to Rs 15 lakh, up from the current Rs 11 lakh. The proposal will be presented before the Delhi Cabinet for approval on Tuesday.
The number of Kanwar camps in Delhi has grown from 170 in 2024 to 308 in 2025. The Government has cited rising pilgrim numbers, inflation, and increasing operational costs as the reasons for the proposed enhancement across all categories.
The revised grant structure covers five size categories. For camps of more than 20,000 square feet, the grant for 6 to 12 days of operation rises from Rs 11 lakh to Rs 15 lakh, and for 3 to 5 days from Rs 6 lakh to Rs 9 lakh. For camps between 15,001 and 20,000 square feet, assistance for 3 to 5 days goes from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 8 lakh, and for 6 to 12 days from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 9 lakh. For camps between 10,001 and 15,000 square feet, the grant rises from Rs 4 lakh to Rs 6 lakh for 3 to 5 days and from Rs 7 lakh to Rs 8 lakh for 6 to 12 days. Camps between 5,001 and 10,000 square feet will receive Rs 3 lakh instead of Rs 2.50 lakh for 3 to 5 days and Rs 5 lakh instead of Rs 4 lakh for 6 to 12 days. The smallest camps up to 5,000 square feet will get Rs 2 lakh instead of Rs 1.50 lakh for 3 to 5 days and Rs 3 lakh instead of Rs 2 lakh for 6 to 12 days.
Free electricity of up to 1,200 units will continue for all Kanwar Samitis. BSES and TPDDL will ensure timely connections and complete all formalities before the Yatra begins. Any consumption beyond 1,200 units will be borne by the respective Samiti.
On grant disbursement, both the advance instalment and the final instalment will be released directly by the concerned District Magistrate’s office, removing the requirement for separate Finance Department approval through Revenue Headquarters for each individual case. The grant will be released through Direct Benefit Transfer in two equal instalments: 50 per cent in advance and 50 per cent after the Yatra concludes, subject to utilisation verification and prescribed conditions. SDMs and Tehsildars will inspect camps before and after the Yatra, with geo-tagged photographs used to ensure transparency.
The Committee has also recommended that the list of Kanwar Samitis and sites approved in 2025 be treated as final for 2026, with no new Samitis or sites to be approved this year.
On departmental coordination, MCD will handle sanitation, garbage collection, and fogging. The Health Department and CATS will provide round-the-clock doctors, ambulances, and first-aid centres. Delhi Jal Board will ensure safe drinking water supply and deploy tankers where needed. DUSIB will provide mobile toilet units. Delhi Police and Traffic Police will manage security, traffic, route diversions, and CCTV surveillance at vulnerable locations. The Cabinet meeting on Tuesday will take the final decision on the proposed enhancements.
