Lucknow: Chief minister Yogi Adityanath on Friday told police and administration that devotees should not face any inconvenience during the upcoming kanwar yatra, saying that during this festival, the “safety, convenience and dignity of every devotee are our highest priorities”.In a review of the state’s law and order in light of various festivals, especially the kanwar yatra, the CM said that there should be foolproof arrangements for law and order, traffic management, health services, cleanliness, food safety and public amenities for devotees.“Strict action must be taken against elements attempting to disturb communal harmony, spread rumours, indulge in adulteration, overcharging, create disorder or incite anarchy, and the administration must function with complete alertness and sensitivity throughout the event,” he said. The CM added that misleading and fake information circulating on social media should be immediately countered, and strict action must be ensured against those attempting to disturb social harmony by spreading rumours.During the meeting, the CM was briefed by additional chief secretary, home and the divisional commissioner and ADG (zone) of Meerut, on the preparations for the kanwar yatra.The CM said that the action plan prepared for Meerut zone should be shared with all other police zones in the state so that a uniform and effective system could be implemented across UP. He said that that the kanwar yatra is no longer confined to any one region and lakhs of devotees from various parts of UP participate in it, making it necessary to have standard arrangements for the festival.He added that local administrations should maintain continuous dialogue with kanwar associations, and complete the verification of camp operators in advance so that any shortcomings can be addressed in time. The CM also directed that coordination should be established with Haryana, Rajasthan, Delhi and Uttarakhand govts on compliance with various rules and regulations.Reviewing the route preparations, the CM said that damaged roads should be repaired at the earliest while adequate lighting, cleanliness, drinking water, toilets and other essential facilities along the routes should be arranged for immediately. The health department was directed to set up medical camps with adequate stocks of essential medicines, including anti-venom and anti-rabies injections. He added that changing rooms for women should be set up at major ghats, and important announcements should be broadcast regularly through the public address system, along with devotional music.Saying that food safety along the route should be accorded the highest priority, the CM again emphasised that meat and liquor shops should remain closed along the yatra route. He said that no complaints regarding food adulteration, unhygienic conditions or overcharging should be received and officials should conduct regular inspections and take immediate action against those found guilty.“The name of the operator should be clearly displayed at every shop. The sound level of DJs must remain within the prescribed standards, and deafening noise will not be accepted under any circumstances,” the CM said.To ensure law and order, the CM said, police patrolling, continuous surveillance through CCTV cameras and drones at sensitive locations should be ensured.In light of water levels rising in some rivers, the CM emphasised on security arrangements at ghats. He also stressed on making information regarding programmes involving VIP movement available beforehand so that the movement of ordinary devotees is not affected.
