Uttarakhand Police Tightens Security for Kanwar Mela 2026

• Kanwar Mela 2026 will be held in Haridwar from July 30 to August 11.
• ATS, STF, BDS, SDRF, drones and CCTV to ensure round-the-clock security.
• Cyber commandos to monitor social media and counter misinformation.
• Comprehensive traffic, disaster response and inter-state coordination plans finalised.

GG News Bureau
Dehradun, 16th July: Uttarakhand Police has finalised an extensive security and traffic management plan for the Kanwar Mela 2026, scheduled to be held in Haridwar from July 30 to August 11, with Director General of Police (DGP) Deepam Seth directing officials to ensure a safe, smooth and incident-free pilgrimage.

A high-level review meeting chaired by the DGP on July 15 assessed preparations for the annual religious event, which draws millions of devotees. Senior police officials from Dehradun, Haridwar, Tehri Garhwal, Pauri Garhwal, Uttarkashi, Rudraprayag, the Government Railway Police (GRP) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) participated through video conferencing.

Describing the Kanwar Mela as a highly sensitive event, the DGP said the safety of pilgrims, effective traffic management and maintenance of law and order remain the top priorities of Uttarakhand Police.

He directed the deployment of adequate police personnel, reserve forces and women police officers at sensitive locations and crowded areas along the pilgrimage route. Specialised units, including the Anti-Terrorist Squad (ATS), Bomb Disposal Squad (BDS), Special Task Force (STF) and intelligence teams, will remain on high alert throughout the festival.

The police will conduct 24×7 surveillance through drones, CCTV cameras and rapid response teams, while SDRF personnel and divers will be stationed at major bathing ghats to respond swiftly to emergencies.

Officials have also been instructed to prepare a detailed traffic management plan covering national highways, alternate routes, parking areas, holding zones and diversion points. The plan will be widely publicised through digital platforms, social media, hoardings and coordination with neighbouring states, including Uttar Pradesh, Haryana and Delhi.

The DGP directed authorities to prepare contingency plans for emergencies, ensure smooth movement of Kanwariyas through designated routes and provide alternative traffic arrangements for local residents.

For railway security, the GRP has been asked to divide the Kanwar Mela zone into super zones, zones and sectors to facilitate crowd management at railway stations, platforms, foot overbridges and trains.

Fire safety audits of parking areas, holding zones and other public spaces will be completed before the fair, while adequate firefighting resources will be deployed. Authorities have also been instructed to enforce safety norms regarding Kanwar size, discourage rooftop train travel and regulate DJ systems and loudspeakers in accordance with High Court-prescribed noise limits.

A dedicated cyber commando team will camp in Haridwar to monitor social media and cyberspace round the clock. Police will take immediate legal action against misinformation, rumours and objectionable content that could disrupt communal harmony or public order.

The DGP also stressed the importance of regular coordination meetings with neighbouring states for intelligence sharing and directed officials to ensure proper accommodation, food, drinking water and other facilities for police personnel deployed during the festival.

He urged officers to treat devotees with courtesy while maintaining strict action against anti-social elements attempting to disturb law and order, reaffirming Uttarakhand Police’s commitment to conducting Kanwar Mela 2026 in a peaceful, secure and well-coordinated manner.