HARIDWAR: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday chaired a high-level meeting with senior officials at the Mela Niyantran Bhawan, Haridwar to review preparations for the upcoming Kanwar Mela-2025. The fair will be held from 11 to 23 July, drawing millions of Kanwariyas (devotees) to Haridwar and surrounding areas.
Key directives by CM Dhami
Launch of “Uttarakhand Kanwar Seva App”:
Dhami instructed officials to develop a dedicated mobile application for Kanwariyas, to provide comprehensive details and facilitate a smoother, safer pilgrimage. The app will also enable better management in future Kanwar Yatras.
Emphasis on coordination with other states:
Since a large number of devotees come from neighboring states, the CM directed officials to establish real-time data sharing and coordination, treating the Yatra as a rehearsal for the upcoming Kumbh Mela.
Zero encroachment on Yatra routes:
All encroachments must be cleared ahead of the Yatra. Compliance with safety norms in dhabas and hotels along the route was stressed, with food licenses and rate lists to be prominently displayed. Overcharging will invite strict action.
Strict adherence to liquor and meat SOPs:
Directions were given to enforce existing regulations on the sale of liquor and meat during the Yatra.
‘Clean and Green Kanwar Yatra’
Dhami said this year the focus must be on a clean and green Yatra, with cleanliness drives every hour along the entire route.
Mobile toilets and garbage disposal vehicles will be deployed every 1-2 km in Haridwar, Roorkee, Rishikesh and nearby areas.
Health infrastructure: Availability of health centers, ambulances and medical staff every 2-3 km, along with helpline numbers.
Facilities for devotees
Night shelters, tent cities and resting places will be set up with the help of local bodies.
RO tankers and water ATMs will ensure clean drinking water.
Additional parking facilities will be created based on past experiences.
Security & crowd management
CCTV, drone monitoring, GIS-based traffic planning and AI-enabled traffic monitoring systems will be put in place.
SDRF and NDRF teams will be deployed to handle any natural calamities, supported by early warning systems for rain and landslides.
Public announcement systems will be strengthened, and the number of lost & found centers increased in Haridwar.
Strict action on rumors
The CM warned of strict measures against individuals spreading fake news or rumors on social media related to the Kanwar Yatra.
Traffic arrangements
District Magistrate Haridwar Mayur Dixit informed that the fair area has been divided into 16 super zones, 37 zones, and 134 sectors.
Separate traffic arrangements have been made for Kanwariyas, Char Dham pilgrims and local residents to avoid congestion.
The meeting was attended by Rajya Sabha MP Kalpana Saini, MLAs Madan Kaushik, Pradeep Batra, Adesh Chauhan, Mamta Rakesh, District Panchayat President Kiran Chaudhary, Mayor Kiran Jesal, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, DGP Deepam Seth, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, and other senior officers and public representatives.
