Latest news with #KanwarYatra-related
Indian Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Indian Express
50,000 security personnel, anti-drone systems deployed for Kanwar Yatra in UP
The Uttar Pradesh government has deployed more than 50,000 security personnel, advanced surveillance system and anti-drone and tethered-drone technologies to detect any threat along the Kanwar Yatra route, and set up a centralised control room for round-the-clock real-time monitoring of the pilgrimage, officials said. Such an elaborate security bandobast, made on the directions of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, was earlier put in place only during the Maha Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj earlier this year and the inauguration of the Ram Temple in Ayodhya in January 2024. Also, nearly 29,500 CCTV cameras have been installed along the key routes and major congregation points to enhance vigilance, it is learnt. The security personnel on the ground are drawn from the Pradeshik Armed Constabulary (PAC), Anti-Terror Squad (ATS), Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Quick Response Team (QRT) among others. They include 39,965 male constables, 8,541 women constables, 1,424 home guards, 587 gazetted officers, 2,040 male inspectors, 1,486 women sub-inspectors and 13,520 sub-inspectors. CM Adityanath reviewed the preparations and issued instructions to ensure arrangements for security, healthcare, sanitation, drinking water and traffic management. As many as 395 high-tech drones, including anti-drone systems and tethered drones, are transmitting real-time video feeds directly to the police headquarters in Lucknow. Tethered drones, which hover in a fixed position for extended periods, are proving particularly effective in monitoring dense crowds and enabling quick response in case of emergencies, the officials said. The control room has been established at the DGP office on the lines of the Maha Kumbh Mela. An eight-member social media surveillance team is also at work to continuously monitor online platforms for rumours, misleading information and sensitive posts. The team's mandate includes promptly alerting the district officials and ensuring swift removal of objectionable online content. A separate control room team monitors inputs from electronic media, UP-112 helpline, and other channels to ensure seamless coordination and prompt response. Details such as police officers' contact numbers, traffic diversion plans, and all Kanwar Yatra-related guidelines have been shared with the public through hoardings, newspapers, and social media. For effective interstate coordination, a dedicated WhatsApp group comprising officials from Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Delhi, and Rajasthan has been created. This group facilitates an exchange of real-time information on route conditions, security updates, and crowd management plans. The anti-drone systems detect unauthorised drones by using radar, sensors, and other advanced technologies. Once detected, these systems disrupt the drone's communication link through jamming, rendering it inoperable or physically destroying the drone using lasers or missiles. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has developed indigenous solutions like the D4S system which is capable of tracking, intercepting, and neutralising hostile drones with high precision, the officials added. Tethered drones are connected to a ground-based power source via a cable, allowing them to remain airborne for extended durations without battery limitations. The tether also provides greater stability in windy conditions for continuous surveillance and communication in sensitive areas.
Time of India
6 days ago
- Time of India
Markets turn into vibrant hubs of devotion ahead of Kanwar Yatra
1 2 3 4 Prayagraj: As kanwariyas gear up to embark on their revered journey, the city's markets are abuzz with an air of devotion and anticipation. With the annual pilgrimage slated to commence on July 11, vendors and artisans are busy showcasing an array of Kanwar Yatra-related essentials, catering to the hundreds of devotees of Lord Shiva, affectionately known as kanwariyas. As the Kanwar Yatra approaches, the markets are transforming into vibrant hubs of devotion and commerce. Shops and stalls are sprouting up, offering a kaleidoscope of saffron-coloured clothing, flags, t-shirts, and other accessories that cater to hundreds of kanwariyas. For around 500 families in the Sangam City, who have been selling Kanwar Yatra-related items for four to five decades, the month of Shrawan is a time of opulence and prosperity. These families have stocked up sufficiently, anticipating a lucrative season. The majority of them expect to earn a profit of Rs 40,000 to Rs 50,000 by selling kanwars, utensils, garlands, bells, and special kanwar dresses. With Shravan beginning on July 11, the Ganga ghats and Sangam are set to welcome millions of kanwariyas, who will gather holy water to offer to Lord Shiva. These devotees will soon embark on a barefoot journey to revered sites such as Kashi Vishwanath and other prominent Lord Shiva temples, including Padila Mahadev, to offer the sacred 'Jalabhishek' ritual. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Is your tinnitus getting worse? Do this immediately (Watch) Hearing Magazine Undo Before doing so, they will gather holy water from Sangam and the river Ganga at Dashaswamedh and Daraganj ghats, an act steeped in tradition and spiritual significance. As the city gears up to welcome these devotees, the atmosphere is filled with an aura of spirituality and festivity. Amitabh Gour, a religious scholar, highlights the significance of the Kanwar Yatra, a revered Hindu pilgrimage. He notes that millions of devotees, or kanwariyas, undertake a sacred journey to collect holy water from Sangam and other Ganga ghats, which is then offered at Shiva temples as an act of devotion. According to Gour, the spiritual attire of Kanwariyas also plays an important role in this journey, underscoring the cultural and spiritual significance of the pilgrimage. Devotees collect holy water from the Ganga ghat and offer Jalabhishek at various local Lord Shiva temples, including Someshwar Mahadev, Gopeshwar Nath Mahadev, Panchmukhi Mahadev, Takshak Teerth, Pandeyshwar Nath Dham, Mankameshwar Mahadev, Bhayaharannath Dham, Mukundeshwar Nath, Koteshwar Mahadev and Shiv Kutchery. These temples hold significant spiritual importance for the devotees, who offer prayers and perform rituals as part of the Kanwar Yatra. Rajesh, a vendor selling Kanwar materials, expresses optimism about business prospects this year, citing the state government's efforts to make adequate arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra and kanwariyas. He expects around 50,000 to 1 lakh Kanwariyas to arrive at Daraganj and other ghats to collect holy water. Anuradha, another vendor, shares insights into tradition, saying that devotees of Lord Shiva typically purchase kanwars and decorative items to adorn them before embarking on their journey to Varanasi to offer Jalabhishek to Lord Shiva during the Shrawan month.
