The Sambhal district administration has completed extensive preparations for the annual Kanwar Yatra by repairing more than 130 kilometres of pilgrimage routes, deploying over 2,000 police personnel and strengthening surveillance across the district. Officials said the measures are aimed at ensuring a safe and hassle-free journey for thousands of barefoot devotees participating in the pilgrimage during the holy month of Shravan.

Shravan, considered one of the most sacred months in the Hindu calendar and dedicated to Lord Shiva, began on Thursday, marking the commencement of the Kanwar Yatra. During the annual pilgrimage, devotees, known as Kanwariyas, travel long distances on foot to collect holy water from rivers and offer it at Shiva temples. The pilgrimage attracts large crowds every year, prompting authorities to make elaborate arrangements for traffic management, public safety and infrastructure.

According to the district administration, the Public Works Department has repaired and made the entire 130.33-kilometre Kanwar route pothole-free to facilitate the movement of barefoot pilgrims. Officials said the initiative was undertaken to minimise inconvenience and reduce the risk of injuries during the journey. The road repairs were completed ahead of the pilgrimage as part of a coordinated effort involving multiple government departments.

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The administration has also focused on electrical safety along the pilgrimage routes. The power department has wrapped 1,775 electricity poles with protective material, barricaded 233 transformers, tightened loose overhead wires at 225 locations and rectified 37 leaning poles. These measures have been introduced to reduce the risk of electrical accidents, particularly in areas expected to witness heavy footfall throughout the pilgrimage period.

District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal said the administration had adopted a "zero-error" action plan to ensure that the Kanwar Yatra remains safe, smooth and incident-free. "For the convenience of Shiva devotees, 130.33 km of Kanwar routes have been made pothole-free and electrical infrastructure has been secured. Security is being maintained through 12,456 CCTV cameras, an Integrated Command and Control Centre and deployment of 2,017 police personnel across the district," he said.

In addition to the infrastructure upgrades, authorities have established a comprehensive security network to monitor the movement of pilgrims and respond quickly to any emergencies. The surveillance system, supported by thousands of CCTV cameras and an Integrated Command and Control Centre, is expected to provide real-time monitoring of key locations along the route.

Officials said police personnel have been strategically deployed to regulate traffic, maintain law and order, and assist devotees throughout the pilgrimage. The district administration added that all departments have been instructed to remain on alert during the Kanwar Yatra to ensure uninterrupted public services and a safe environment for pilgrims.

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