Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], July 16 : Inspector General (IG) of Garhwal Range, Rajeev Swaroop, visited Haridwar on Wednesday to inspect the preparations for the upcoming Kanwar Mela and informed that CCTV cameras and drones will be used to monitor the traffic during the Dak Kanwar to avoid congestion and ensure smooth flow.
During his visit, IG Swaroop showered flower petals on the Kanwariyas (pilgrims) as a gesture of support and encouragement.
Speaking to reporters, IG Swaroop said, "A huge number of devotees visit Uttarakhand every year. They travel a long distance to come here and then return. We ensure that the meal is carried out peacefully. Some incidents took place in the last few days, we have taken strict action against those anti-social elements, FIRs have been registered, and some people have also been arrested..."
The second phase of the Kanwar Mela has commenced, and preparations are underway for the start of the Dak Kanwar. In light of this, IG Swaroop gathered feedback from the pilgrims on the ground and the deployed officers.
He emphasised that the police are fully prepared for the crowd and gave a strict warning to unruly elements among the pilgrims.
"We have already taken action against miscreants who disguised themselves as Kanwariyas and caused chaos. FIRs have been registered, and some people have also been arrested", he said.
The IG also stated that a large crowd had arrived for the 'panchak' and predicted a record-breaking number of devotees for the Dak Kanwar this year.
IG Swaroop also informed, "Plan for diversion for Dak Kanwar Yatra is set to start from 18th July. The route is via Laksar to Kankhal, then to Bairagi Camp, and from there to Singhdwar, and then to the National Highway to return to their destinations."
While talking about the preparations for the Dak Kanwar, he said, "CCTV surveillance network has been deployed and drones are used to actively monitor traffic to avoid any bottleneck situation and manage the traffic effectively."
The police have issued an appeal to the pilgrims, urging them to return peacefully after collecting water and to adhere to the rules and regulations for a successful yatra.