NH-58 Highway Closed for Kanwar Yatra, Heavy Devotee Rush in Haridwar

NH-58 Dehradun-Delhi highway is closed from July 29-August 2 for Kanwar Yatra, with diversion plans in place. Haridwar sees 1.25 crore Kanwariyas collecting Gangajal. Authorities ensure smooth yatra with extensive security measures.

The NH-58 Dehradun-Delhi highway has been completely closed to vehicular traffic from July 29 to August 2 due to the increasing number of Kanwariyas. The closure is part of a broader effort by the Uttarakhand and Uttar Pradesh Police to facilitate the Kanwar Yatra, which began on July 22. All vehicles will now follow police-designated diversion routes to manage the heavy influx of pilgrims.

Haridwar is witnessing a massive gathering of around 1.25 crore Kanwariyas, who have embarked on their annual pilgrimage to collect sacred water from Har Ki Pauri and other Ganga Ghats. These devotees, followers of Lord Shiva, undertake this journey each year to bring the holy water back to their hometowns. The Kanwar Yatra, which started on the first Monday of Sawan this year, is marked by a significant increase in religious activities and footfall.

Given the recent upsurge in pilgrims, Haridwar has been meticulously divided into 12 superzones, 35 zones, and 132 sectors to ensure effective management and crowd control. The procession, rooted in Hindu tradition, sees participants carrying Ganga water across vast distances to offer it at Shiva shrines. Historical accounts suggest that Parshuram, an avatar of Lord Vishnu and a devotee of Shiva, took part in the initial procession.

This sacred month, often marking a period of devotion, fasting, and pilgrimage, has compelled authorities to intensify security measures. In Muzaffarnagar, District Magistrate Arvind Mallapa Bangari and Senior Superintendent of Police Abhiskeh Singh conducted inspections alongside ATS commando units. Bangari emphasized the extensive preparations and deployment of police personnel to ensure the yatra proceeds seamlessly.

"With the Kanwar Yatra at its peak, we anticipated the influx and made necessary arrangements well in advance. Our police and personnel from other departments are working diligently to manage the yatra and address any issues that may arise. Ensuring the safety and smooth passage of Kanwariyas is our top priority," stated Muzaffarnagar DM Arvind Mallapa Bangari.