CM Dhami Directs Timely Completion of All Preparations for Safe, Well-Organised and Successful Kanwar Yatra 2026
Chief Minister Reviews Kanwar Mela Arrangements; Says Devotees’ Safety and Convenience Are Government’s Top Priority
Haridwar |
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday directed all concerned departments to complete preparations well in advance for the Kanwar Yatra 2026, scheduled to begin on July 30, ensuring that the annual pilgrimage is conducted safely, smoothly, and efficiently.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Mela Control Building in Haridwar, the Chief Minister emphasized that the safety, security, and convenience of millions of devotees remain the state government’s highest priority. He instructed officials to ensure flawless coordination among all departments so that no shortcomings arise during the pilgrimage.
‘Safe, Well-Organised and Clean Kanwar’ Should Be the Guiding Vision
Addressing senior officials, CM Dhami said the Kanwar Yatra is not merely a religious event but also reflects Uttarakhand’s administrative efficiency, hospitality, public service, and commitment to managing large-scale pilgrimages.
“Our objective should be a Safe Kanwar, Well-Organised Kanwar, and Clean Kanwar. Every pilgrim visiting Devbhoomi Uttarakhand should return home safely with a satisfying and memorable experience,” he said, calling it the government’s “unwavering commitment.”
Record Footfall Expected This Year
The Chief Minister noted that Uttarakhand has witnessed unprecedented growth in pilgrimage and tourism under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
He informed that more than 4.5 million devotees have already undertaken the Char Dham Yatra this year, while over 55,000 pilgrims have visited Adi Kailash. With a significant rise in religious tourism, the state expects a record number of Kanwar pilgrims this year, requiring enhanced administrative preparedness.
Public Participation Key to Successful Pilgrimage
CM Dhami stressed the importance of involving public representatives, religious leaders, social organizations, NGOs, traders, and saints in ensuring the smooth conduct of the Kanwar Mela.
He instructed officials to prepare and circulate video messages by saints and spiritual leaders encouraging devotees to maintain discipline, respect traditions, and follow safety guidelines throughout the journey.
Special Facilities for Women Devotees
The Chief Minister directed authorities to install an adequate number of clean Pink Toilets at major locations and pilgrimage routes for women devotees. He also instructed officials to strengthen women help desks and deploy sufficient women police personnel to ensure their safety and comfort.
AI-Based Surveillance, Drones and CCTV Monitoring
Reviewing security arrangements, CM Dhami ordered the deployment of additional police personnel in sensitive and highly sensitive areas.
He instructed officials to utilize AI-enabled surveillance systems, drones, and CCTV cameras across the fair area for real-time monitoring. Strict action should be taken against anti-social elements attempting to disturb law and order.
The Chief Minister also directed authorities to closely monitor social media platforms and take immediate action against those spreading rumours or misinformation.
Traffic Management to Be a Top Priority
The Chief Minister stressed the need for an effective traffic management plan to minimize inconvenience to both pilgrims and local residents.
He directed officials to create separate traffic arrangements wherever necessary for Kanwar pilgrims and local commuters. He further instructed that VIP movement should not disrupt the pilgrimage under any circumstances.
Comprehensive Health and Emergency Preparedness
CM Dhami instructed officials to establish sufficient medical camps, ambulances, doctors, paramedical staff, and emergency medical facilities across all major halting points and fair areas.
He also ordered the deployment of water ambulances at important ghats and directed the SDRF, NDRF, Water Police, and Fire Services to remain on high alert throughout the pilgrimage.
Officials were instructed to remain fully prepared to respond swiftly to heavy rainfall, waterlogging, or any emergency situation.
Focus on Cleanliness and Environmental Protection
The Chief Minister directed departments to ensure uninterrupted availability of drinking water, sanitation facilities, resting areas, lighting, and cleanliness along the pilgrimage route.
He emphasized regular cleanliness drives and the effective implementation of the No Plastic Campaign, while directing authorities to restore all pilgrimage sites to their original condition immediately after the conclusion of the Kanwar Yatra.
Strict Food Safety Checks
The Chief Minister instructed the Food Safety Department to conduct regular inspections of hotels, eateries, roadside food stalls, and restaurants operating along the Kanwar route.
He said that all establishments must prominently display their licenses and registrations, and any violation affecting public safety or law and order should invite immediate action.
24×7 Control Rooms and Helplines
CM Dhami directed all departments to function in close coordination and ensure that 24-hour control rooms and helplines remain operational throughout the pilgrimage.
District Magistrates and Senior Superintendents of Police have been instructed to review arrangements daily and resolve issues without delay.
Enhanced Security at Har Ki Pauri and Major Ghats
Special emphasis was placed on security arrangements at Har Ki Pauri, Kangra Bridge, and other major bathing ghats.
The Chief Minister directed authorities to ensure adequate deployment of Water Police, effective crowd management systems, and well-prepared emergency evacuation plans.
He also instructed officials to continue anti-encroachment drives and enforce regulations on oversized Kanwars and DJ vehicles exceeding prescribed sound limits.
Mahakumbh 2027 Preparations Must Continue Simultaneously
The Chief Minister instructed officials to ensure that preparations for Mahakumbh 2027 continue without disruption during the Kanwar Yatra.
He emphasized better coordination between both large-scale events so that ongoing infrastructure development and administrative planning remain on schedule.
Senior Ministers and Officials Attend Review Meeting
The review meeting was attended by Cabinet Ministers Satpal Maharaj, Madan Kaushik, Pradeep Batra, Ram Singh Kaida, along with legislators, public representatives, religious leaders, traders’ associations, and members of social organizations, who shared valuable suggestions for the successful conduct of the Kanwar Yatra.
Senior officials including Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Director General of Police Deepam Seth, Garhwal Commissioner Anand Swaroop, Inspector General Rajiv Swaroop, Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit, and SSP Navneet Singh Bhullar briefed the Chief Minister on the preparations.
District Magistrates and Senior Police Officers from Dehradun, Pauri, and Tehri also joined the meeting via video conferencing and presented updates on preparations in their respective districts.
