Dark spots on Kanwar routes cleared: Mishra

The liquor and meat shops along Kanwar routes would remain closed during the Kanwar Yatra

Delhi minister Kapil Mishra on Friday said the Government has launched a drive to remove dark spots and improve lighting along the Kanwar Yatra routes, while warning commuters to expect traffic disruptions as lakhs of pilgrims pass through the national Capital during the annual pilgrimage.

Mishra further said Chief Minister Rekha Gupta held several meetings to review preparations, including lighting, sanitation, toilets, traffic management and facilities at Kanwar camps.

“Under the leadership of the chief minister, a special campaign is being run to eliminate dark spots. District magistrates have been instructed to ensure proper cleanliness and lighting along the Kanwar routes,” he said.

He said that liquor and meat shops along Kanwar routes would remain closed during the yatra and that the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) had issued the necessary directions.

The Municipal Corporation of Delhi has directed its 12 zones to shut unauthorised meat shops and take action against licensed outlets violating permit conditions along Kanwar routes and near Kanwar camps. It has also asked officials to complete civic arrangements before the yatra, during which 308 Kanwar camps will operate across Delhi from July 30 to August 11.

Mishra mentioned that traffic diversions would be enforced wherever required in coordination with the Delhi Police, Traffic Police and Civil Defence.

“Crores of Kanwar pilgrims pass through Delhi, so there will be some traffic issues. Vehicles will be diverted wherever necessary. Around the time devotees offer jal, there could be delays because of the crowd,” he said.

He said that welcome gates were being erected and arrangements for the stay of pilgrims had been made with the help of Kanwar Seva Samitis.

Heavy police deployment and traffic restrictions marked the start of the Kanwar Yatra in Delhi on Thursday. More than 1,500 police personnel have been deployed across the city, while CCTV surveillance has been stepped up and coordination established with neighbouring states.

Traffic movement is likely to be regulated on GT Road, Ring Road, Outer Ring Road, Mukarba Chowk, Azadpur, Wazirabad Road, ISBT Kashmere Gate, NH-44 and border stretches connecting Delhi with Ghaziabad and Haryana, depending on the movement of Kanwar pilgrims.