Prayagraj: With a heavy influx of devotees expected at Shiv temples on first Somvar (Monday) during the holy month of Shrawan, Prayagraj commissionerate has intensified security and traffic management arrangements for Kanwar Yatra across the district.The preparations were reviewed during a high-level meeting chaired by police commissioner Piyush Mordia on Friday. Additional commissioner of police (law and order) Dr Ajay Pal Sharma and additional commissioner of police (headquarters) Vijay Dhull were also present at the meeting, which focused on law and order, crime control and security measures related to Kanwar Yatra.The police commissioner directed all officers and personnel deployed on duty to treat kanwariyas with courtesy and provide them with all possible assistance during the pilgrimage. He also instructed officials to install signboards along the Kanwar routes so that devotees travelling to various Shiv temples do not face any inconvenience in reaching their destinations.Station house officers and other officials have been asked to conduct regular inspections of the Kanwar routes and immediately seal any unauthorised openings in road dividers to minimise the risk of accidents and traffic congestion. Adequate numbers of police personnel will be deployed along the pilgrimage routes, while surveillance will be strengthened with the help of public address systems, CCTV cameras and drones.The police have also been instructed to ensure that loudspeakers used by kanwariyas remain within the prescribed noise limits. Special attention is being paid to the ghats, where additional personnel have been deployed to maintain order and prevent mishaps. Floating barriers and signboards will also be installed at sensitive locations.Authorities have been directed to inspect camps and rest houses established along the pilgrimage routes and assess the facilities being provided to devotees. Officials have also been asked to coordinate with truck associations and implement route diversions. Signboards informing motorists about alternate routes will be installed at diversion points, petrol pumps and roadside eateries.The commissioner also instructed police officials to intensify foot patrols and conduct regular checks in markets and other crowded areas to maintain law and order during the festival season. Senior police officials and station house officers from across the commissionerate attended the meeting.
