Uttar Pradesh Gears Up for Kanwar Yatra 2025 with Comprehensive Security and Civic Measures

 Lucknow, June 27 — The Uttar Pradesh government, under the leadership of Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, has announced an extensive action plan for the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, slated to begin on July 11 and conclude on August 9. Emphasizing zero tolerance for disturbances, the state administration is aiming to ensure that the annual pilgrimage proceeds with peace, discipline, and devotion.

In a high-level review meeting, Chief Minister Adityanath directed top police, administrative, and municipal officials to implement stringent measures along the Yatra route. With lakhs of Shiva devotees—known as kanwariyas—expected to walk barefoot from various parts of North India to collect holy water from the Ganga, the event is being treated not only as a religious journey but as a critical test of public administration and community harmony.

Absolute Ban on Meat, Liquor, and Provocative Displays

To maintain the sanctity of the pilgrimage, all meat and liquor shops along the Yatra routes will be mandatorily closed or relocated. District magistrates and municipal authorities have been instructed to enforce this directive without exception, respecting the spiritual sensibilities of the devotees.

The display of weapons, political banners, caste identifiers, or inflammatory slogans has also been strictly prohibited. The Chief Minister warned that any attempt to disrupt communal harmony—be it through music, slogans, or processions—will trigger swift legal action under the Indian Penal Code and Information Technology Act.

All sound systems used during the Yatra must operate within the prescribed decibel limits, especially in sensitive zones near hospitals, schools, and religious sites of other faiths. Non-compliance will result in penalties.

Infrastructure and Safety Measures Enhanced

Key transit corridors—including Muradnagar to Tila Mod, the Kadarpur-Ghaziabad-Delhi border, NH-9, NH-24, and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway—are receiving urgent upgrades to manage the expected surge in pilgrim traffic. Road repairs, pothole removal, and the installation of emergency signage with helpline numbers have been prioritized.

To strengthen surveillance and crowd management, the government will install watchtowers, street lighting, and CCTV cameras across critical junctures. Traffic police and trained volunteers will be deployed throughout the route, while barricades will be erected at divider cuts to prevent cross-traffic. Electric poles along the Yatra route will be covered with insulated plastic up to a height of five feet to prevent electrocution incidents.

Health, Sanitation, and Water Provisions

Temporary medical camps equipped with first-aid kits, ORS, and emergency supplies will be stationed at regular intervals. Ambulances and rapid response teams will also be on standby. Sanitation measures include installation of dustbins, provision of clean drinking water, and deployment of Swachhata Mitras for round-the-clock cleanliness at Kanwar camps.

Petrol pumps have been directed to maintain clean public restrooms with separate facilities for men and women. Additionally, food stalls and community kitchens (langars) have been encouraged to adopt biodegradable and eco-friendly utensils to align with the state’s environmental goals.

Public Coordination and Digital Monitoring

Chief Minister Adityanath emphasized the need for real-time public engagement. District administrations will establish 24×7 control rooms to address grievances and coordinate logistics. Peace committees and Kanwar Sanghs will assist in community coordination.

Drone surveillance will be considered for congested zones, and public address systems will be installed at key intersections and rest points to disseminate timely instructions. In cities where the Yatra intersects with daily urban traffic, temporary diversions will be implemented to minimize disruption.

Concurrent Festival Preparedness: Muharram, Shivratri, and Others

The Chief Minister also reviewed preparations for other religious observances occurring within the same timeframe, including Muharram, Shivratri, Nag Panchami, and Raksha Bandhan. For Muharram, senior officers will be deployed to monitor major processions, with video documentation mandated. The display of weapons is prohibited, and procession routes must adhere to traditional paths to avoid communal sensitivities.

Vigil on Social Media and Hate Speech

Citing recent incidents in Etawah, Kaushambi, and Auraiya, the Chief Minister expressed serious concern over the use of social media platforms to incite caste or religious tension. The state cyber cell, along with district police units, has been directed to closely monitor online activity and respond swiftly to misinformation or hate content.

Legal action will be taken against any individual or group attempting to provoke unrest or insult religious sentiments online. District authorities have also been tasked with organizing interfaith meetings and engaging local influencers to foster communal unity and consensus.

A Model for Peaceful Public Devotion

Calling the Kanwar Yatra a symbol of spiritual discipline, collective faith, and cultural unity, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath reiterated his vision for the event to serve as a benchmark in managing large-scale religious gatherings without conflict or disruption.

“The Yatra must reflect our societal strength—rooted in devotion, order, and unity,” he said, concluding the strategic review.

With these multi-tiered preparations, Uttar Pradesh aims to ensure that Kanwar Yatra 2025 sets a new standard in religious harmony, civic responsibility, and administrative excellence.