Uttarakhand Police have intensified safety measures during the ongoing Shravan Kanwar Yatra by denying entry to vehicle-borne Kanwars taller than the prescribed 13-foot height limit at multiple checkpoints along the Uttar Pradesh border.
Authorities said the height restriction, announced before the pilgrimage began on July 30, is aimed at preventing accidents and ensuring smooth traffic movement. Security personnel, supported by central paramilitary forces, have been deployed at border entry points to inspect decorated Kanwars and enforce the guidelines.
Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar said officials are strictly ensuring compliance with the safety norms. On Sunday alone, 12 vehicle-borne Kanwars exceeding the permitted height were turned back from the Narsan border.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case against officials associated with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) following the death of two Kanwariyas in Haridwar. The devotees were killed after iron girders from an under-construction flyover reportedly collapsed on them.
Bahadrabad Police Station in-charge Amarjeet Singh said the case was filed based on complaints from the victims’ families. Authorities are investigating whether negligence in the construction work led to the fatal incident.
The administration said the enforcement drive and ongoing investigation are part of broader efforts to ensure the safety of pilgrims and the smooth conduct of the annual Shravan Kanwar Yatra.
