Enhanced Surveillance and Facilities for Kanwar Yatra in Moradabad
In preparation for the annual Kanwar Yatra, the Moradabad Municipal Corporation has implemented a range of advanced measures to ensure the safety and convenience of devotees. These efforts include the deployment of high-definition drones for surveillance along key pilgrimage routes, as well as the establishment of significant infrastructure to support the thousands of Kanwariyas who participate in the religious journey.
Drone Surveillance for Safe Pilgrimage
The Municipal Corporation’s ‘Jatayu Van’ initiative has introduced HD drones to monitor the Kanwar routes, providing real-time video feeds directly to the integrated command control center. This technology allows for continuous oversight of the pilgrimage paths, ensuring that any potential issues can be addressed promptly. The live footage is also accessible on the mobile devices of senior officers, enabling quick coordination and response to any challenges that may arise during the journey.
This system not only enhances security but also improves the overall experience for devotees by allowing authorities to maintain order and provide timely assistance when needed.
Special Facilities for Devotees
To further support the pilgrims, the Moradabad Municipal Corporation has set up a grand Shiv Darbar featuring a 30-foot-long idol of Lord Shiva. This impressive structure serves as a welcoming point for all Kanwar Yatris, offering them a sacred space to begin their spiritual journey. In addition, the corporation has constructed a dedicated Kanwar Yatra shed with a capacity to accommodate over 100 people. This facility provides rest and shelter for the devotees, ensuring they have a comfortable place to pause during their long trek.
Infrastructure Development and Coordination
Moradabad Municipal Commissioner Divyanshu Patel highlighted the ongoing efforts to improve the routes leading to major temples. He stated that 80% of the necessary repairs have already been completed, with teams working on additional tasks such as installing light poles and other essential infrastructure. These improvements are crucial in ensuring that the pilgrimage routes remain safe and accessible throughout the event.
Furthermore, the Municipal Corporation has installed cameras and VMD screens to broadcast the Kanwar Yatra processions, allowing both local and distant followers to witness the spiritual journey. The Operation Jatayu project, which is currently in progress, will collect valuable data that will be shared with the district administration and government authorities. This collaboration aims to enhance future planning and ensure the continued success of the event.
Security Measures by Uttar Pradesh Police
In addition to the municipal efforts, the Uttar Pradesh police have also taken steps to secure the Kanwar Yatra. They have deployed specialized units such as the Rapid Action Force (RAF), Quick Response Team (QRT), and Anti-Terror Squad to maintain law and order along the pilgrimage routes. These teams are trained to handle various situations and ensure the safety of all participants.
Significance of the Kanwar Yatra
The Kanwar Yatra is a deeply revered religious practice in which devotees collect water from a river and carry it over hundreds of kilometers to offer it at the shrines of Lord Shiva. This act of devotion involves fasting, worship, and a commitment to the divine, making it an essential part of the cultural and spiritual landscape in India. The event attracts millions of participants each year, who come together to express their faith and seek blessings from the deity.
Through the combined efforts of the Moradabad Municipal Corporation and the Uttar Pradesh police, the Kanwar Yatra continues to be a well-organized and meaningful pilgrimage, reflecting the deep-rooted traditions and community spirit of the region.