To ensure the safe passage of Kanwar Yatra pilgrims, the traffic police in Delhi-NCR have introduced several measures, resulting in changes to traffic routes. The pilgrims, returning from Haridwar, pass through Meerut, Ghaziabad, Noida, Delhi, and Faridabad, leading to increased traffic on these routes.
The Noida traffic police have restricted two of the four lanes between Okhla Barrage and Okhla Bird Sanctuary from July 28 to August 4 to ensure the safe passage of the Kanwar Yatra pilgrims. Approximately four kilometers of the pilgrimage route, from Mayur Vihar through the Shani temple and Okhla Bird Sanctuary to Kalindi Kunj, fall within Noida’s jurisdiction.
Traffic from the Delhi to Noida side was diverted onto the two right lanes due to barriers erected near the Sector 126 police station at Kalindi Kunj, resulting in traffic jams and bottlenecks. More traffic police officers have been stationed close to Okhla Barrage to control traffic and avoid jams, particularly during rush hour when the route becomes narrower.
Motorway Heavy vehicles are not allowed to travel on the Delhi-Meerut Motorway, according to the Uttar Pradesh police. These vehicles will be diverted until 8 pm on August 5. Additionally, restrictions will extend to all vehicles between Delhi and Meerut, including private cars, from July 29.
Large camps have been established at Kashmiri Gate in Delhi, according to Delhi Minister Atishi, to house at least 2,000 Kanwariyas. The camps are equipped with waterproof tents, beds, and tables due to the high chance of rain. There are also arrangements for food and medical assistance, with a doctor and medical team on standby to help in case of injuries.The medical team will work in three shifts and be available around the clock. An ambulance is stationed outside the camp to transport anyone with serious health issues to the nearest LNGP hospital.
The month of Sawan is significant for Hindus, dedicated to Lord Shiva. This sacred month, which usually falls between July and August, is a time of worship, fasting, and pilgrimages for the deity of destruction and transformationCarrying gangajal, devotees travel to temples to offer prayers, including Jharkhandi Mahadev in Gorakhpur, Kali Paltan in Meerut, Kashi Vishwanath in Varanasi, and Mahakaleshwar in Ujjain. According to Drik Panchang, Sawan began on July 22 and will end on August 19 this year.
