Uttarakhand: Rishikesh Police prepares traffic, security plans for upcoming Kanwar Yatra
Rishikesh, July 23
Authorities in Uttarakhand have put in place special traffic arrangements for the Neelkanth Yatra, with a coordination meeting held on Wednesday to ensure smooth movement of Kanwar pilgrims travelling to Neelkanth both on foot and by vehicle.
The Kanwar Yatra is set to commence from July 30 to August 11.
Dehradun Rural SP Jai Baluni said the meeting focused on inter-agency coordination between Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti and Laxman Jhula to facilitate hassle-free pilgrimage.
"A coordination meeting was held today specifically focusing on the traffic arrangements for those travelling to Neelkanth, both on foot and by vehicle. This includes ensuring coordination between Haridwar, Rishikesh, Muni Ki Reti, and Laxman Jhula so that the Neelkanth Yatra proceeds without any issues. We discussed various parking spaces, like the one at IDPL in the Muni Ki Reti area. We also talked about the traffic movement plan and the main duty points," she told ANI on Wednesday.
She added that the designated return route will be via the barrage from Laxman Jhula and through Chila
"For traffic heading to Neelkanth, our primary parking site is IDPL. Pedestrians park their larger vehicles there and then proceed on foot via the barrage to Neelkanth. Those coming in smaller vehicles take the Natraj Bypass, pass through Muni Ki Reti, and then head towards Garud Chatti. The return route is via the barrage from Laxman Jhula and through Chila. However, if the Bin River floods or after 6 PM when vehicles stop running, we will divert those vehicles through Shampur towards Haridwar via the barrage," said the SP.
SP also discussed various parking spaces, traffic movement plans and key duty points to manage the rush during the yatra.
"Every year, Kanwar pilgrims come for this journey, and Uttarakhand always welcomes them warmly. This year too, we are making full preparations to ensure their Kanwar Yatra is smooth, safe, and pleasant. We appeal to them to come with a positive spirit and take back good memories. Our efforts are focused on making their journey safe, and we ask them to conduct their pilgrimage properly and avoid any kind of disturbance or conflict," she said.
The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage in which devotees of Lord Shiva, known as 'Kanwariyas', travel to sacred sites like Haridwar, Gaumukh, and Gangotri in Uttarakhand to collect holy water from the Ganga River. Carrying the water in containers called 'kanwars', pilgrims later perform the 'Jalabhishek' (sacred water offering) ceremony at Lord Shiva temples.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Nice planning by authorities, but I wish they would also consider the environmental impact. Thousands of pilgrims leaving plastic waste near Ganga is a huge problem. Need more dustbins and awareness campaigns along the route. Phir bhi, good to see safety being prioritised. 🌊
This is such a beautiful tradition - people walking miles with kanwars for their devotion. The IDPL parking arrangement seems practical for pedestrians. Just hope the weather cooperates and there's no landslide threat on the Neelkanth route. Bol Bam! 🔱
Every year the same story - chaos near Laxman Jhula area. The diversion via Shampur is a good idea if Bin River swells. But I think they need more digital signage for directions. Not everyone understands these points - especially first-time yatris from UP, Bihar. More announcements needed!
I appreciate the detailed planning but honestly, the real challenge is crowd management at the temples. Last year I saw long queues at Neelkanth - they should consider online booking slots for darshan. Also, please deploy extra medical teams along the route for heat-related issues. Stay safe, Kanwariyas! 🙌
The coordination meeting covers key aspects but I'm concerned about the loose mention of "avoid any kind of disturbance or conflict." With rising tensions around religious processions, police must be trained to handle any untoward situation sensitively. The appeal to pilgrims to be peaceful is good but enforcement needs to be fair to all. 🇮🇳
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