10-07-2025
Drones and CCTVs to secure 57km-long Kanwar route
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Prayagraj: To offer foolproof security to kanwariyas, the devotees of Lord Shiva gearing up for the Kanwar Yatra in the holy month of Shrawan walking barefoot on the 57 km stretch between Sangam/Daraganj to Bhadohi border (Prayagraj-Varanasi route), Prayagraj police have divided the entire route into three super zones, seven zones and 17 sectors, deploying around 1,000 police personnel at static points.
Police have also implemented a three-layered security plan effective from July 11 to August 9. Moreover, the district traffic police authorities have decided to make the Prayagraj-Varanasi segment a one-way route from Saturday and divert the traffic for heavy and commercial vehicles on alternative roads.
The comprehensive security plan also includes three drones, over 550 CCTV surveillance networks at static locations, 12 mobile police pickets and helpdesks.
Barricading has also been done at Ganga ghats and other crowded route points. Around 1,000 cops are assigned duties round-the-clock in three shifts at static points.
"With thousands of kanwariyas all set to converge on Varanasi's Kashi Vishwanath corridor to offer jalabhishek with holy Ganga water, top cops implemented an elaborate security and traffic management plan for the safety and security of kanwariyas," said DCP (Ganga Nagar) and nodal officer (Kanwar Yatra) Kuleep Singh.
He added that: "Devotees will be collecting holy water from Sangam, Dashaswamedh, and other ghats in Prayagraj and heading towards Kashi Vishwanath for jalabhishek."
As roads from Sangam nose to Shastri bridge and adjoining areas were already widened during the Maha Kumbh, this will offer traffic police the ability to regulate flow during the yatra.
Singh said an elaborate traffic plan has also been drafted beginning Friday to offer respite to daily commuters.
Police have also roped in personnel of Jal police and PAC (flood control) to ensure the safety of devotees at ghats in view of the flood season.
Besides barricades, medical teams along with ambulances are on standby to help kanwariyas when needed.
The department has also come up with a separate traffic management plan near prominent Shiva temples of city and forces are being deployed accordingly.
