Haridwar: An inter-state coordination meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan was held at the Mela Control Building in Haridwar to review preparations for the Kanwar Mela-2026, which will be held from July 30 to August 11. Administrative and police officials from Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh participated in the meeting and formulated a joint strategy for security, traffic management, and crowd control.
The Chief Secretary said that the Kanwar Yatra is one of the largest religious gatherings in the country, and its successful conduct depends on effective coordination among all participating states. He directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements for security, law and order, healthcare services, drinking water, sanitation, and disaster management throughout the pilgrimage.
It was decided during the meeting that real-time information would be shared among all the participating states. Joint checkpoints and barriers will be established at Uttarakhand’s borders in coordination with the police of neighbouring states. Joint monitoring of social media and cyber activities will also be carried out to enable immediate action against rumours and misleading information.
The Chief Secretary clarified that the Delhi-Dehradun Economic Corridor (Expressway) will not be used for the Kanwar Yatra. He directed officials from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh to make the necessary arrangements well in advance to ensure effective implementation of this decision.
He further instructed that Kanwar pilgrims should be informed about travel guidelines, safety protocols, and restrictions at entry points. Pilgrims will also be advised to carry valid identity cards and refrain from carrying prohibited items during the pilgrimage.
Railway officials were instructed to operate special trains, ensure effective crowd management at major railway stations, and develop adequate holding areas. Haridwar District Magistrate Mayur Dixit informed the meeting that the number of devotees is expected to increase significantly from August 5, while the Dak Kanwar phase beginning on August 8 is likely to witness the highest footfall.
Before the meeting, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan offered prayers to Goddess Ganga at Brahmakund in Har Ki Pauri and prayed for the safe, successful, and smooth conduct of Kanwar Mela-2026.
