Prayagraj: To ensure a secure kanwar yatra, top officials have implemented a multi-layered security plan to maintain strict surveillance along the route between Prayagraj and Varanasi ahead of the yatra’s start from July 11.This comprehensive setup includes extensive CCTV surveillance, drone monitoring, barricading at Ganga ghats and key routes, one-way traffic for kanwariyas and mobile police pickets. Around 700 cops will also be assigned duties at the static points, and a separate traffic and diversion plan, will be enforced.As thousands of kanwariyas are expected to converge on Varanasi’s Kashi Vishwanath corridor to offer jalabhishek with holy Ganga water, police are finalising detailed security and traffic arrangements. The devotees will collect water from Sangam, Dashaswamedh, and other ghats in Prayagraj, prompting authorities to prepare for a massive influx of pilgrims.Remarkably, the Prayagraj-Varanasi route will be one way to offer adequate space for devotees of Lord Shiva for their free-flow movements towards Varanasi from Prayagraj. As roads from Sangam nose to Shastri bridge and adjoining areas have already been widened during the Maha Kumbh, this will help traffic police authorities regulate flow during kawar yatra. DCP (Ganga Nagar) Kuldeep Singh told TOI, “Senior cops have drafted an elaborate security plan for kanwar yatra and a specific traffic plan will be introduced.” Moreover, cops will use drones and CCTV networks for the safety of kanwariyas, who will be embarking on a journey from Sangam and Daraganj ghat to Varanasi to offer jalabhishek to Lord Shiva in Kashi during the auspicious month of Shravan. Apart from roping in drones and additional police pickets, police will also set up barricades and keep ambulances on standby to help kanwariyas. The department has also drafted an elaborate traffic plan for devotees, which will be effective from July 10 onwards.Besides, special police teams will be deployed at the static points, and Prayagraj police will be coordinating with their Bhadohi and Varanasi counterparts to ensure the safety and security of kanwariyas. The kanwariyas are expected to pass through Daraganj and Jhunsi before arriving at the Prayagraj-Varanasi highway.Cops will be deployed at strategic points like Shastri bridge, Andhawa turn, and Sarayinayat, through which a large number of these kanwariyas are expected to pass. The devotees will assemble at Sangam and Daraganj ghat to take water from the Sangam and cover the hundreds of km distance to different temples of Lord Shiva, including the Padila Mahadeo temple in Tharwai (Prayagraj) and the Kashi Vishwanath temple.
