Ahead of the annual Kanwar Yatra during the holy month of Sawan, Uttar Pradesh Police have introduced several technology-based and security-focused initiatives across districts to ensure the safety and convenience of lakhs of devotees.
In Moradabad, police have launched specially designed “Kanwar Mobiles”—10 Tata Sumo patrol vehicles decorated with images of Lord Shiva, the Trishul, Damru, the river Ganga and Kanwar pilgrims. The vehicles will patrol major Kanwar routes to provide security and emergency assistance.
According to police, each vehicle has been fitted with six high-powered search lights, loudspeakers and other safety equipment. Officials said the initiative was also planned keeping in mind reports of leopard movement in the Kanth-Thakurdwara region and areas along the Delhi-Lucknow Highway.
Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Satpal Antil said the patrol vehicles would regularly monitor around 35 kilometres of the Kanwar route between Amroha and Rampur. He said the bright search lights and loudspeaker systems were installed after consultations with forest officials, who indicated that leopards generally avoid strong lights and loud sounds.
Police also said the vehicles would help monitor traffic and discourage speeding on reserved Kanwar routes.
Rampur launches ‘Kanwar Jatha’ app
Rampur Police have introduced the “Kanwar Jatha” mobile application to improve coordination with pilgrims during the yatra.
Pilgrims will receive QR code cards that allow them to download the app and register basic details such as their name and address. The application will enable police to monitor the location of registered devotees.
The app also includes an emergency assistance feature. If a pilgrim faces any problem during the journey, they can share their live location and mobile number with the nearest police unit through the app, provided their phone’s location services are enabled.
Officials said the system is intended to improve response time during emergencies and make it easier for police to assist devotees.
Hapur introduces QR code-based digital assistance
Hapur Police have also announced a digital assistance system for Kanwar pilgrims, which officials described as a first-of-its-kind initiative in the state.
Superintendent of Police Kunwar Gyananjay Singh said QR codes will be installed at major Kanwar routes, service camps, eight prominent temples, public places and important intersections across the district.
After scanning the QR code, pilgrims will be directed to a digital platform containing essential information, including emergency helpline numbers, contact details of senior police officers, hospitals, ambulance services, fire services and bulldozer operators for clearing road blockages.
The platform will also provide details of Kanwar service camps, including contact information for organisers and managers, allowing pilgrims to seek assistance for food, accommodation, medical aid and other services.
Officials said the initiative is expected to improve emergency response, speed up the sharing of information and help curb rumours during the pilgrimage.
Speed restrictions in Amroha
Meanwhile, Amroha Police have imposed special speed limits on the Delhi-Lucknow Highway from July 30 to August 28 to reduce accidents during the Kanwar Yatra.
Heavy vehicles will be allowed to travel at a maximum speed of 30 kmph, while light vehicles will be restricted to 40 kmph along a 56-kilometre stretch of the highway. Police said speed radar guns will be installed at three locations to enforce the limits, while 57 drones will monitor traffic and movement along the route.
Officials said the combined measures are aimed at ensuring a safer, smoother and technology-enabled Kanwar Yatra for millions of devotees travelling through Uttar Pradesh.
