Over 10,000 Personnel, Drones Deployed for Kanwar Yatra Security in Delhi

New Delhi | As the Kanwar Yatra gains momentum across the National Capital Region, Delhi has been turned into a security fortress with over 10,000 personnel, including Delhi Police and paramilitary forces, deployed to ensure smooth and safe passage for the influx of pilgrims.

Senior officials confirmed on Tuesday that more than 5,000 Delhi Police personnel along with around 50 companies of paramilitary forces—equivalent to another 5,000 troopers—are on the ground. In addition to this massive manpower presence, drone surveillance and an expansive CCTV network are being used to monitor the Yatra in real time.

City on Watch: Police, Paramilitary, and Drones Mobilized

“The Kanwar Yatra will continue until July 22 and conclude on the auspicious occasion of Shivratri,” said a senior police officer. “We’ve stationed paramilitary forces and home guards across sensitive areas, and key stretches are under constant watch using drones and CCTV feeds.”

In a city where even minor traffic disruptions can cause major delays, authorities have moved proactively. Traffic diversions have been implemented along key routes traditionally used by kanwariyas — devotees who walk long distances carrying sacred Ganga water in decorated pots, or kanwars, for ritual offerings at Shiva temples.

Hundreds of Camps, Medical Readiness Across Capital

The capital has seen a massive effort to accommodate the spiritual procession. A total of 774 locations have been earmarked for kanwar camps across the city, and 374 camps have already been granted permission. Another 150 are pending final approval, sources said.

These camps serve as essential rest points for the pilgrims, where they eat, sleep, and perform religious rites. The camps are being closely coordinated by local police units and civil administration.

Senior officers across all 15 police districts have been asked to remain present on the ground, ensuring coordinated action with civic bodies and emergency response units. Disaster Management Authority teams have also been placed on standby, equipped with water tankers, fire tenders, medical units, and emergency rescue tools.

Entry Routes and High-Security Zones Identified

Delhi Police has published a comprehensive list of designated entry points for kanwariyas entering the city. These include:

• Ghazipur Border
• Anand Vihar
• Bhopura
• Apsara Border
• Maharajpur
• Loni Border
• ISBT Kashmere Gate

Officials said that arterial roads such as NH-1, NH-9, GT Road, Wazirabad Road, and Loni Road are being closely monitored, as these form major transit routes for pilgrims arriving from neighbouring states.

Kanwariyas, both on foot and in vehicles, will be granted access only through these predefined routes to maintain order and streamline traffic flow.

Public Advisory Issued, Emergency Services on Alert

Authorities have appealed to the general public to avoid non-essential travel on major kanwar routes to reduce congestion and avoid disruption. Emergency vehicles and essential services will be allowed unhindered movement, and dedicated helpline numbers have been activated to address any issues faced by pilgrims or commuters.

PCR vans, Quick Reaction Teams (QRTs), and ambulances are being deployed at strategic locations along the yatra path to respond to emergencies or health-related incidents.

Separate security teams have been assigned to counter any potential threat perceptions, including monitoring for suspicious activities or objects, especially around large gatherings and temple areas.

Weather Concerns Add to Caution

With the monsoon rains already lashing Delhi and parts of the NCR, the administration is exercising additional caution. Slippery roads, poor visibility, and the likelihood of waterlogging have led to enhanced readiness from disaster response teams, particularly in low-lying areas.

The Kanwar Yatra sees lakhs of Shiva devotees — mostly young men and teenagers — walking hundreds of kilometers, often barefoot, from places like Haridwar and Gaumukh, carrying holy water from the Ganga to pour over Shivlingas at local temples. The pilgrimage has grown significantly over the years, turning into one of the largest annual religious processions in northern India.

This year, with a heightened emphasis on safety and law and order, Delhi Police is treading a fine balance — ensuring that the religious fervour of the yatra remains undisturbed, while upholding public order, security, and civic convenience.