UP: Hapur administration ensures proper security arrangements for Kanwar Yatra

Hapur (Uttar Pradesh) [India], July 27 (ANI): Uttar Pradesh’s Hapur administration has installed several CCTV cameras and deployed security forces on the Kanwar Yatra route to ensure proper movement of the devotees.

Vineet Bhatnagar, Additional SP, Hapur, told ANI, “We have made 5 zones, 17 sectors and 39 sub-sectors, a large number of security forces have been deployed and they will be working in 2 different shifts. Traffic has been divided. Control rooms have been made in multiple places. CCTV cameras have been installed.”

Notably, given the Kanwar Yatra, the Hapur administration in Uttar Pradesh has declared a holiday for all government and private schools for 8 days from July 26 to August 2.

Prerna Sharma, District Magistrate, Hapur, said, “Till now, diversion was ordered only for heavy vehicles. From July 26 light vehicles will also be diverted. From 26th July to 2nd August, all the government and private schools have been given holiday. This is done to ensure that nobody faces any issues while travelling. During this period all the government and public schools will remain closed.”

Devotees across the nation began their Kanwar Yatra on July 22, on the occasion of the first Monday of ‘Sawan’.

Haridwar saw an influx of pilgrims, prompting enhanced security arrangements. The area has been divided into 14 superzones, 35 zones, and 132 sectors for better management.

This sacred month, typically falling between July and August, marks a period of worship, fasting, and pilgrimage dedicated to the deity of destruction and transformation.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court extended its interim order on Friday, staying directives issued by the authorities of certain state governments that eateries along the Kanwar Yatra route should display the names of the owners outside such shops.

Senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for the Uttar Pradesh government, told the bench that the regulations under the Central Law Food and Safety Standards Act, 2006, require that every food seller, including ‘dhabas’, must display the names of the owners.

The bench said there is no restriction on shops or eateries voluntarily displaying the names of their owners and employees outside their eateries but they cannot be forced.