Lucknow : In line with the directives of Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath to ensure a safe, seamless, and successful Kanwar Yatra 2025, the state’s Director General of Police (DGP) Rajeev Krishna has issued a comprehensive set of instructions aimed at strengthening security arrangements and streamlining traffic management during the annual pilgrimage.
High-Tech Surveillance and Pilgrim Support Infrastructure
To ensure smooth conduct and public safety, authorities have installed 29,454 CCTV cameras, 395 drones, 1,845 water service centers, 829 medical camps, and 1,222 police assistance/control rooms across key Kanwar routes and important locations.
All Kanwar camps have undergone anti-sabotage checks, and CCTV cameras have been mandatorily installed. DGP Krishna directed that mobile numbers of all officers up to the SHO level, traffic diversion plans, and essential safety information be disseminated to devotees via QR codes in newspapers, hoardings, and social media.
Massive Deployment of Security Forces
For the 2025 Yatra, the following police personnel have been deployed:
- 587 gazetted officers
- 2,040 inspectors
- 13,520 sub-inspectors
- 39,965 constables
- 1,486 female sub-inspectors
- 8,541 female constables
- 50 companies of central forces/PAC
- 1,424 Home Guards
Additionally, special units like RAF, Quick Reaction Teams (QRT), and Anti-Terror Squad (ATS) are being mobilized. Personnel have been briefed via video conferences to ensure uniform preparedness.
Real-Time Monitoring and 24/7 Command Centers
Kanwar routes will be under real-time surveillance through CCTV and tethered drone monitoring, with feeds linked directly to DGP headquarters for live updates.
A dedicated eight-member team at the DGP’s social media center will operate round-the-clock to track misinformation, coordinate rebuttals, and take action against rumour-mongers. A similar team is active in the control room to monitor electronic and UP-112 inputs 24/7.
Interstate Coordination via Digital Platforms
Recognizing the interstate nature of the Yatra, a WhatsApp group including officials from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan has been created. This will facilitate instant information exchange, including security alerts, traffic updates, and rumour management across state borders.
Streamlined Traffic Management
Traffic control measures include:
- Installation of electronic signage and lighting at major junctions.
- Pre-identified alternative routes for normal traffic due to expected congestion.
- Barricading and route diversion rehearsals ahead of the Yatra.
- Public awareness of diversions through press releases, local TV, and social media.
- Separate diversion routes for heavy and light vehicles not involved in the Yatra.
- Additional police deployment at pressure points to guide traffic and Kanwariyas.
- Awareness campaigns discouraging reckless motorcycle riding by Kanwar pilgrims.
Safety Protocols on Kanwar Routes
DGP Krishna emphasized several safety and logistics measures:
- Kanwariyas to move only along the left side of highways, with camps and food stalls kept at least 20 feet off-road.
- Trained local divers to be stationed near rivers and canals, with barriers and danger signs clearly marked.
- Women Kanwariyas to be given enhanced protection with swift action on any misconduct reported.
- PA systems at police stations, outposts, and major crossings to provide real-time announcements.
- Food quality monitoring at hotels and dhabas en route with mandatory price list displays to prevent overcharging.
- Deployment of health teams and ambulances along the route for emergency medical care.
- 24/7 patrolling with UP-112 vehicles, whose personnel have been thoroughly briefed.
These multi-tiered measures reflect the government’s strong commitment to ensuring that Kanwar Yatra 2025 is a safe, disciplined, and spiritually fulfilling experience for millions of devotees.
