Sambhal: The Sambhal administration has repaired more than 130 km of Kanwar Yatra routes and made them pothole-free to ensure barefoot devotees do not face inconvenience during the annual pilgrimage. With the holy month of Shravan beginning on Thursday, the district administration has also stepped up security and surveillance, deploying more than 2,000 police personnel and installing thousands of CCTV cameras across important routes, temples and other sensitive locations. Officials said the preparations are part of a “zero-error” action plan aimed at ensuring a safe and smooth Kanwar Yatra. According to the administration, the Public Works Department has repaired 130.33 km of roads used by Kanwariyas. Special attention has been given to stretches where devotees are expected to walk barefoot while carrying holy Ganga water. Electrical infrastructure along the routes has also been checked to reduce the risk of accidents. The power department has covered 1,775 electricity poles, barricaded 233 transformers and tightened loose overhead wires at 225 locations. Another 37 leaning electricity poles have been repaired.

District Magistrate Ankit Khandelwal said security arrangements have been strengthened across Sambhal to make the pilgrimage hassle-free and incident-free. A total of 12,456 CCTV cameras have been linked with an Integrated Command and Control Centre to keep a close watch on movement across the district. Sambhal has been divided into five security zones, while nine special magistrates have been deployed along major Kanwar routes. Magistrates will also remain on duty in shifts across all 17 police station areas and at major Shiva temples. The police deployment includes 2,017 personnel, five circle officers, 34 station house officers and inspectors, 144 sub-inspectors and 144 constables. Security personnel have also been stationed at 77 pickets and barriers. Police assistance centres, rooftop surveillance teams and additional forces have been positioned around major temples and Ganga ghats. Provincial Armed Constabulary flood units have also been deployed at river ghats. Traffic management is another major part of the plan, with the administration identifying 19 diversion points across the district. Eighteen UP-112 emergency response vehicles have been kept ready, while public address systems, watchtowers and cranes have been arranged at vulnerable locations.

Medical and emergency arrangements have also been strengthened as thousands of devotees are expected to pass through the district during the Kanwar Yatra. Special medical teams have been deployed along major routes, at Shiva temples and at five Ganga ghats — Rajghat, Sankara Ghat, Sadhumani Ghat, Asadpur Ghat and Hari Baba Bandh Ghat. Ambulances under the 102 and 108 services will remain available round the clock. Divers have also been stationed at the five major ghats, with the administration looking to maintain its record of zero drowning incidents over the past five years. Authorities are separately monitoring hotels, eateries and food establishments located along Kanwar routes. Rate lists have been made mandatory and inspections are being conducted to ensure proper arrangements for pilgrims. Fire and emergency services have also been strengthened. With road repairs, electrical safety measures, CCTV surveillance, police deployment, medical teams and traffic diversions in place, officials said the focus this year is on preventing avoidable incidents while allowing Kanwariyas to complete their journey without unnecessary inconvenience.