CHANDIGARH, July 4: With the annual Kanwar Yatra set to begin on July 11, Haryana Police have gone into high alert mode to ensure the pilgrimage is conducted safely and smoothly. Director General of Police (DGP) Shatrujeet Kapur on Thursday urged devotees to fully cooperate with authorities, follow all safety guidelines, and report any suspicious activity to nearby police outposts.
“The police are fully alert and committed to the safe and successful conduct of the yatra,” Kapur said in an appeal to Kanwariyas, who will collect Ganga water from Haridwar and travel—often barefoot or in processions—back to local temples to perform jalabhishek.
A police spokesperson said the preparations follow a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, who instructed senior officials to ensure an uninterrupted, secure and convenient experience for devotees. Special emphasis has been placed on traffic regulation, law enforcement, and emergency response readiness during the yatra.
To meet the expected surge of lakhs of devotees, including a significant number of women participants, all district police units have been issued detailed instructions. “Police personnel leave has been suspended from July 11 until the conclusion of the yatra,” the spokesperson said.
Sensitive locations, camp sites, and checkpoints will see round-the-clock patrolling under the supervision of senior officers. Dedicated female police personnel have also been deployed along the route to ensure the safety of women Kanwariyas.
Authorities have issued safety guidelines advising Kanwariyas against carrying LPG cylinders, sharp weapons, or spears during the pilgrimage. Restrictions on noise levels have been reinforced, with DJs and loud music subject to existing noise control norms. Shopkeepers have been warned not to sell Kanwars taller than 10 feet to avoid contact with overhead power lines.
The administration has called for public vigilance and collective responsibility to ensure a peaceful and accident-free yatra this year.
