Security beefed up to tackle kanwariyas' rush

After the terror attack on Amarnath pilgrims, the Delhi Police have stepped up their security arrangements for the ongoing annual pilgrimage of the kanwariyas who pass through Delhi in groups carrying holy water from Ganga. An alert has been sounded in Delhi and NCR and security agencies are taking it very seriously. Massive arrangements are being made and senior officers are personally monitoring the arrangements.

Kanwariyas pass through Delhi halting at several points till July 21, the Delhi Police has circulated an advisory asking officers to put in place proper anti-terror arrangements at all vital installations and high footfall areas in the city -- markets, malls, Metro stations, railway stations and airport, among other places.

"Quick response teams, PCR vans, newly introduced Parakram Vans and other units of Delhi Police would be at high alert during this period and these would be placed at strategic locations to quickly move in case of any eventuality. We are also in touch with oraganisers of Kanwar and they would be used as force multipliers especially at the place where they halt," said Deependra Pathak, Special CP Delhi Police.

The specialised unit of Delhi Police which has expertise in dealing with terror-related threats, the Special cell has also kept a close eye on the threat perception.

"Adequate security arrangements would be made at places where the kanwariyas halt and put up a night stay. These places are often more vulnerable," said a special cell officer.

It has been learnt that the police personnel have been briefed about the secret inputs and the alertness they are required to put in during this alert period.

"Due to the sensitivity of the matter, the operational details would not be discussed but we can assure that our men would be on maximum alert to thwart any misadventure. We also have spotters to let us know if someone is disguised as a kanwariya and we are well equipped to combat any eventuality," said a senior

police officer.

Meanwhile, Police in Gautam Budh Nagar is also on alert during the kawar yatra.

Senior Superintendent of police, Gautam Buddh Nagar is monitoring the situation personally and overseeing the security arrangements across the twin cities. Following which the SSP took stock of the security situation on Tuesday and directed police officials to boost the network.

According to senior police officials, the major routes will be monitored by the CCTV cameras which will be implanted across these routes. A proper surveillance system will be managed with the help of watch towers. Five hundred more cops are sanctioned for the district to ensure security during the Kanwar Yatra festival who will be deployed at every possible nook and corner of the route. Ambulance will also be placed on the GT road surrounding the city to provide them immediate medical help.