Uttarakhand Police are strictly enforcing a 13-foot height limit for vehicle-borne Kanwars during the ongoing Shravan Kanwar Yatra, turning back oversized structures at entry points along the Uttar Pradesh border to ensure public safety and smooth traffic movement.
The state administration had announced the restriction before the annual pilgrimage began on July 30. Police, along with central paramilitary personnel, have been deployed at border checkpoints to inspect decorated Kanwars and prevent those exceeding the prescribed height from entering the state.
Senior Superintendent of Police Navneet Singh Bhullar said the height limit has been imposed to reduce safety risks for pilgrims and commuters while ensuring better traffic management during the yatra. On Sunday, officials turned back 12 vehicle-borne Kanwars at the Narsan border after they were found to be taller than the permitted limit.
Meanwhile, Haridwar police have registered a case against officials associated with the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) over alleged negligence following the deaths of two Kanwariyas. 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 lodged by the victims’ families. Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and examine whether negligence played a role in the fatal accident.
The administration said strict enforcement of safety guidelines and ongoing investigations are part of efforts to ensure a secure and orderly Shravan Kanwar Yatra.
