Dehradun: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a review meeting with administrative and police officers through video conferencing on Tuesday regarding the preparations for the upcoming Kanwar Mela-2025. The Chief Minister reviewed the arrangements of previous years and asked to analyze the challenges arising from the point of view of law and order and ensure corrective steps, so that there is no recurrence this year. He said that effective crowd control, traffic management and security arrangements should be ensured to prevent any kind of vandalism, disturbance or other undesirable incidents in this huge religious event. Complete verification of camp operators, working persons, volunteers and persons staying in hotels/dharmshalas should be done.
The Chief Minister directed to ensure deployment of X-ray systems, fire extinguishers, fire tenders and personnel at all major sites. He also asked to keep special vigil on the quality of food and beverages and make strong arrangements for the prevention of waterborne diseases. Emphasis was laid on taking the help of volunteers in crowd management, continuous monitoring through CCTV and drones and keeping the intelligence system active. Instructions were given to make a separate plan for better traffic system and to publicize it widely so that the devotees do not face any inconvenience. Keeping in mind the terrorist threats, instructions were given to ensure deployment of ATS and special security forces.
The Chief Minister asked to make arrangements for ambulances and backup at Haridwar Ghats, Neelkanth Mahadev Temple and other important places, to deploy adequate male and female security personnel in plain clothes and to keep divers and water police equipped with disaster relief equipment on alert mode. The Chief Minister also directed that the use of loud sound amplifiers, DJ and loudspeakers should be regulated on the Yatra routes. Black spots should be identified and corrective work should be done to prevent accidents. Information about ‘what to do and what not to do’ should be given to Kanwar pilgrims through pamphlets, hoardings, public announcements and social media.
The Chief Minister asked to run a publicity campaign to prevent Kanwariyas from carrying sticks, batons, sharp objects etc. He also directed to strictly enforce the ban on the sale of intoxicants, liquor and meat on the Yatra routes and to ensure adequate basic facilities like electricity, water, medical facilities. In view of the increasing number of women Kanwariyas, it was asked to ensure special police arrangements at women ghats and dharamshalas for their safety. He directed to increase inter-state coordination and exchange information immediately, monitor social media and take strict action against rumour mongers and ensure immediate denial of related posts.
The Chief Minister directed all the departmental secretaries and Inspector Generals of Police to inspect the Kanwar Mela area in the next three days and review the preparations and prepare action plans of their respective departments.
