The Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh has planned a three-tier security for kanwariyas when the pilgrimage starts from Monday.
The security establishment and State police department have decided to use drones, watch towers and CCTV.
This year about 4 to 5 crore pilgrims from different parts of the State are expected to reach Haridwar travelling through Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Saharanpur and Bijnor in western UP.
‘Earth to sky’ security
According to the newly-appointed Additional Director General of Police (Meerut) Anand Kumar, the authorities are not taking any chances with the security. Their security will be ensured from ‘earth to sky’.
Besides, street lights will be on throughout the night and will be backed by generators.
UP, Uttarakhand police
"The Kanwar Yatra will start from July 10 and continue till July 22. The Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand police have jointly prepared a roadmap of foolproof security of the pilgrims who go to Haridwar from different parts of UP. The police officials of both the States have met several times to chalk out the security planning," Mr. Kumar said.
"Apart from the police force of Meerut zone, 27 companies of paramilitary personnel have been deployed. Drone camera will also be used. CCTV cameras are being installed and watch towers are being built along the route. Besides 30 senior police officers, 2,000 police personnel and home guards in plainclothes will also be deployed," he added.
Flag march by RAF
He said the travel route of Meerut-Haridwar will also be changed from July 16 night. In Meerut alone, CCTV cameras are working at 78 places.
Meerut and Muzaffarnagar police officials have been asked to check the security arrangements. On Saturday, Muzaffarnagar city Superintendent of Police Ombeer Singh took out a flag march of Rapid Action Force near Shiv Chowk.
The State government had earlier issued guidelines to the district administrations to ensure a glitch-free pilgrimage. Principal Secretary (Home) Arvind Kumar and State DGP Sulkhan Singh have also instructed the police officials to store Ganga water and kanwars.
