Dehradun, Jul 11 (PTI) The Kanwar Yatra began on Friday amid tight security arrangements as thousands of Kanwariyas reached the holy city of Haridwar to collect Ganga water. Since morning, a sea of saffron was seen at various ghats of Haridwar, including Har Ki Pauri, where kanwariyas took bath and collected water.
Every year, with the beginning of the month of Sawan, kanwariyas from different states fetch water from Ganga in Haridwar and perform ‘jalabhishek’ at Shiva temples in their native places.
Uttarakhand Director General of Police Deepam Seth said more than 7,000 personnel of police, paramilitary forces, water police (deployed along rivers and ghats for potential drowning incidents), intelligence officers, special task force, State Disaster Response Force, Provincial Armed Constabulary (PAC) and anti-terrorism squad have been deployed for the security of the Kanwar Yatra.
He said every suspicious activity is being closely monitored through drones, CCTV and social media tracking for the smooth conduct of the Kanwar Yatra.
The Uttarakhand government has also started an ‘Operation Kalanemi’ against anti-social elements who deceive people, particularly women, by posing as saints and seers.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said, “This is not only hurting the religious sentiments of the people but also harming the image of social harmony and Sanatan tradition. If any person of any religion is found doing such acts, strict action will be taken against him.” The number of participants in the Kanwar Yatra is increasing every year. Last year, more than four crore kanwariyas reached Haridwar and Rishikesh during the Kanwar Yatra.
Around six to seven crore kanwariyas are expected this year, government officials said. PTI DPT NSD SKY SKY
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