Shakti Booths, Women Officers On Route As Kanwar Yatra 2025 Witnesses Huge Influx Of Female Devotees

News18

2 days ago

To offer real-time assistance, the administration has established over 150 dedicated women's help desks, manned by female constables trained in crowd support and crisis response.
This time, every year, Saffron-clad men carrying Kanwars filled with Ganga jal (water) march along the roads, some in spirited groups, others on bicycles, and many dancing beside blaring DJ vans. However, the picture is set to change. Once a male-dominated pilgrimage, Kanwar Yatra 2025 is now witnessing an unprecedented influx of women devotees. To ensure the safety of the overwhelming number of women Shiv devotees, the Uttar Pradesh Government has rolled out a comprehensive women-centric security plan aimed at creating a safe, secure, and women-friendly environment along the Yatra route.
For the first time, the state government has deployed over 10,000 women police personnel across the 700-km-long Yatra route. This includes 8,541 head constables and 1,486 sub-inspectors, making up nearly 15 per cent of the total force on duty. These women officers are stationed across major pilgrimage hubs and at all sensitive checkpoints, particularly in high-footfall zones. 'Make foolproof arrangements for the safety and convenience of women Kanwariyas," CM Yogi instructed during a recent high-level review meeting.
Help Desks, Shakti Booths, and 24×7 Control Rooms
To offer real-time assistance, the administration has established over 150 dedicated women's help desks, manned by female constables trained in crowd support and crisis response. In collaboration with voluntary women's organisations, 'Shakti Help Booths' have also been set up across districts to provide counselling, safety information, and basic medical aid to women pilgrims. Senior officials confirmed that female officers are now part of all Quick Response Teams (QRTs), including night patrols, ensuring timely intervention and emergency support. They are also stationed in 24×7 control rooms across 11 administrative zones created for the Yatra.
Among the zones, Meerut – which sees the highest Kanwar footfall – has received the largest deployment, with 3,200 women police personnel posted in Meerut, Muzaffarnagar, Baghpat, Hapur, and Ghaziabad. Here, women officers are not only handling security duties but also assisting with crowd navigation and communication support at camps and rest points.
Technological Surveillance and Spiritual Vibes
UP Government's security model also includes CCTV and drone surveillance, enhanced social media monitoring, and continuous updates from field units. CM Yogi has also instructed the use of public address systems to play Shiv bhajans and pass along key safety messages to keep the devotional environment intact and communication flowing. 'This is not just a spiritual event; it's a matter of state responsibility and coordination," a senior official from the Home Department said.
Medical Infrastructure and Food Safety
To deal with the physical demands of the journey, medical camps, ambulances, first aid centres, and mobile health teams have been stationed along the route. The Food Safety and Drug Administration (FSDA) has been instructed to carry out random checks at stalls and community kitchens to ensure food quality and hygiene standards. CM Yogi has also proposed helicopter flower showers at major congregation points to symbolically welcome the pilgrims and elevate the spiritual mood.
Women Pilgrims Lead the Change
From mothers carrying children to first-timers walking in faith, women are fast becoming the heart of this sacred pilgrimage. Many come as part of family groups, while others walk solo or in female-only teams. 'Earlier, I used to hesitate. But this year, seeing so many women and security around, I feel safe," said Pooja, a 29-year-old Kanwariya from Ghaziabad. 'This is the first time I've seen the system walk beside us," added Sonia, a Delhi-based Kanwariya on her 12th pilgrimage.
CM's Final Word: Devotion with Discipline
In his concluding message, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath appealed to all devotees to maintain decorum, discipline, and devotion, and to cooperate with authorities for the success of the Yatra. He reiterated the government's commitment to ensure that every devotee — especially mothers, sisters, and daughters — experiences a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.
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