UP administration’s stern warning on kanwar yatra: 'No group or individual can check food’

The kanwar yatra will be held from July 11 to 23.

The Uttar Pradesh administration has issued warnings against vigilante behaviour, especially those conducting unauthorised checks at eateries and roadside dhabas on the Kanwar route in the name of religious sentiments.

According to Times of India, UP chief secretary Manoj Singh and DGP Rajeev Krishna held a high-level review meeting at the Commissionerate auditorium in Meerut to assess preparations for the kanwar yatra.

“No group or individual has the authority to check food at any hotel or dhaba. This responsibility lies solely with the food safety department," said Singh.

He also said that the food safety department has been directed to ensure the availability of pure vegetarian food at all public eateries and camps.

According to the TOI report, discussions were held regarding pilgrims travelling by train. Singh said that "no one will be allowed to travel on train rooftops under any circumstances”.

Krishna, meanwhile, imposed strict restrictions on the sound levels of DJs, declaring that no kanwar-related music system will be allowed to exceed 75 decibels. Additionally, kanwars must not exceed 10 feet in height and 12 feet in width.

The large DJ set-ups will also be restricted to city bypasses, and will not be allowed inside urban areas.

Referring to last year's turnout of nearly 4 crore kanwariyas, Singh said the number is expected to be higher this year.

The DGP has also directed strict drone surveillance, route diversions and close monitoring of anti-social elements along the kanwar yatra routes.

DMs and SSPs will soon conduct on-ground inspections of the pilgrimage routes and submit a detailed action plan.

Besides UP, officials from Delhi, Rajasthan, Punjab, Uttarakhand and Haryana also took part in the meeting.

The kanwar yatra will be held from July 11 to 23.

Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami also held a high-level meeting with police officials on Tuesday to review law and order, disaster-preparedness, and public safety measures.

During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed the strict implementation of the verification campaign across all districts and emphasised tight surveillance at the state borders.

He also instructed officials to continue action against illegal encroachments and ensure a seamless and safe experience for Kanwar pilgrims.

"Monitoring should be ensured through CCTV and drones on the Kanwar Yatra route, and the traffic control system should be made effective," Dhami said while addressing police officers and administrative heads.