Ayodhya (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 13 : As the Kanwar Yatra gathers momentum, Ayodhya Mayor Girish Pati Tripathi has assured that the Ayodhya Municipal Corporation is fully prepared to provide a safe, smooth, and hygienic experience for the thousands of Kanwar pilgrims expected to visit the city.
Speaking to ANI, about the preparations in place, the Mayor said, "Ayodhya Municipal Corporation is committed to providing a safe and pleasant journey for pilgrims here...Our teams work 24/7 in Ayodhya continuously and will continue to do so."
Tripathi assured that Kanwar pilgrims visiting Ayodhya would not face any inconvenience related to civic amenities. "The Kanwar pilgrims coming here will not face any inconvenience related to the facilities provided by the Municipal Corporation," he said.
He added that the Municipal Corporation has placed special focus on maintaining cleanliness in the city, particularly since the inauguration of the Ram Temple.
"Our teams are constantly vigilant about cleanliness, and ever since the establishment of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya, we have dedicated ourselves to cleanliness. We are in a good environment here, and the district administration is planning to shower flowers on them (Kanwariyas)."
Earlier in the day, the Moradabad Municipal Corporation had made special preparations for the Kanwar Yatra 2025. A huge Shiv Darbar with a 30-foot-long idol of Lord Shiva has been set up to welcome all the Kanwar Yatris. Along with this, a special resting place, a Kanwar Yatra shed, has been made with a capacity of over 100 people.
Meanwhile, Uttar Pradesh police has also deployed the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Quick Response Team (QRT), and Anti-Terror Squad to ensure the secure conduct of the Kanwar Yatra.
On Saturday, the Uttar Pradesh Police rolled out extensive security and surveillance measures for the Kanwar Yatra, leveraging advanced technology and a robust deployment of forces to ensure a smooth and safe pilgrimage, officials announced.
On preparations for Kanwar Yatra, Uttar Pradesh DGP Rajeev Krishna said yesterday, "Technology is being used at a very advanced level. About 40,000 CCTV cameras have been set up. About 400 drones, many of which are AI-enabled, have been set up. Their feed is coming live to our zonal headquarters. ANPR cameras have been installed, enabling the reading of vehicle number plates. About 45,000 police force have been deployed along the route."
In the Kanwar Yatra procession, Kanwariyas collect water from a river and carry it hundreds of kilometres to offer it to the shrines of Lord Shiva. Devotees across the country perform worship, fast and dedicate the pilgrimage to the Lord Shiva.