Lucknow : Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath conducted a high-level video conference from his official residence, reviewing preparedness across the state for the upcoming festive season. The meeting included all police commissioners, divisional commissioners, district magistrates, and senior police officials. The CM emphasized that upcoming festivals such as Kanwar Yatra, Shravan Shivratri, Nag Panchami, Raksha Bandhan, Rath Yatra, and Muharram must be celebrated with faith, safety, and social harmony.
The CM particularly highlighted the sensitivity of the period between June 27 and August 9, urging tight coordination between all departments including law enforcement, health, sanitation, education, and disaster management.
Focus on Peaceful Festivities
Special instructions were issued for the peaceful and dignified organization of the Kanwar Yatra, especially in districts adjoining the Uttarakhand border—such as Ghaziabad, Meerut, Bareilly, Ayodhya, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Barabanki, and Basti. The CM insisted on noise control for DJs and musical instruments, adherence to traditional routes, and a ban on provocative slogans and excessive volume.
He further warned that no religious procession should lead to the cutting of trees, eviction of slum dwellers, or demolition of shelters. All processions, including Tazias and Rath Yatras, must abide by height and noise norms.
Security and Social Media Monitoring
Yogi Adityanath cautioned against infiltration by disruptive elements disguising as devotees. Local police and administration were instructed to maintain constant dialogue with Kanwar associations and conduct advance inspections. The use of weapons or politicization of religious symbols during processions was strictly prohibited.
The CM also directed enhanced monitoring of social media and rapid rebuttals to fake news, suggesting drone surveillance where necessary.
Ensuring Public Convenience
Emphasizing public convenience, the CM ordered:
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Cleanliness and sanitization along Yatra routes
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Street lighting, drinking water, toilet facilities, and first-aid stations
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Repair of damaged electric poles and low-hanging wires
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Verification of organizations running pilgrim camps
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Strict ban on open sale of meat along Kanwar routes
He also instructed strict action against price gouging and overcharging for food. Shopkeepers must display their names and price lists prominently.
Muharram and Communal Harmony
Regarding Muharram events, CM Yogi stressed coordination with Peace Committees and religious organizations to ensure traditional and peaceful processions, particularly in light of past incidents.
He addressed growing concerns over caste-based tensions, calling out nefarious elements attempting to incite conflict in districts like Kaushambi, Etawah, and Auraiya. “Expose such conspiracies swiftly, act without waiting for formal directives, and enforce strict legal action,” the CM said.
Education and Administrative Reforms
The CM reviewed grievance redressal mechanisms through the CM Helpline and IGRS portal, noting delays in some districts and warning of accountability if performance doesn’t improve.
Touching upon the school pairing policy under the Basic Education Council, the CM clarified that the move is aimed at better resource allocation and must be executed transparently, inclusively, and with regard to local needs.
In closing, CM Yogi reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring that all festivals proceed with devotion, discipline, and dignity, while keeping law and order, inclusivity, and public comfort at the forefront.
