Special measures in place for 'kanwariyas' in UP

Elaborate arrangements have been made for the movement of 'kanwariyas' (devotees of Lord Shiva) in Uttar Pradesh, and use of loud music has been banned by the government.
Strict measures have been made for the movement of 'kanwariyas' during the holy month of 'shravan' that begins on July 23.
"It has been decided that strict measures be put in place for smooth movement of kanwariyas, especially in Varanasi, Barabanki and Meerut," IG law and order RK Vishkarma said here.
The officer, who recently attended a meeting of senior officials on the issue, said governments of Delhi and Haryana have been requested not to allow DJs to accompany the 'kanwariyas' coming from there, a trend that started recently.

Some pockets have been identified in Delhi from where 'kanwariyas' are accompanied with DJs and its (DJs) use has been banned, he said.
According to the estimates, about 2 crore pilgrims bring the holy water from Haridwar every year, he said.

Talking about security arrangements, Vishkarma said, "besides the deployment of ATS commandos to keep an eye on any terror activity, 10 companies of RAF will be deployed as per the requirement."
The IG said that keeping in mind the recent trend of women's participation in the yatra, policewomen will also be deployed.
Motorcycle ambulances will be used to shift those in need of medical aid as movement of four wheelers will not be possible because of heavy rush on the roads, he said.

Special barricading will be done around the main temples for crowd management, he added.
"Also, we are coordinating with the Railways to ensure that kanwariyas do not travel on the rooftops of trains as it involves the risk of electrocution," he said.
The officer said that special vigil would be maintained around the embankment of the Ganga nahar around Meerut which has a mixed population and has seen incidents of stone pelting in the past.