Delhi Minister Kapil Mishra said on Wednesday that the government is all set to welcome Kanwar pilgrims, the devotee of Lord Shiva, in the city with the preparations this time around on a much larger scale as compared to the past.
Mishra, who reviewed the arrangements made across the city, especially the 17 gates that have been put in place at the entry points in the city for the pilgrims, shared that the special gates have been named after the 12 ‘Jyotirlingas’ and Lord Shiva.
The minister said such welcome gates were set up during the recent Maha Kumbh in Prayagraj. They are now being replicated here in the national capital.
Mishra shared that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta will personally welcome the Kanwar pilgrims on July 20, adding that elaborate arrangements have been made by the Delhi government to ensure that the devotees do not face any problem during their sacred journey.
He said the Delhi government has set up a total of 374 Kanwar camps this time, while the number was 170 last year.
Mishra alleged a few people are not happy with the large-scale arrangements for the Kanwar Yatra this time. These are the same people who are going to feel uneasy when the government will step up the arrangements for things like the Chhat Puja and others, during the coming years.
He said the city is now gearing up to become a land of devotion, and the government is ready to serve the Kanwar pilgrims, also known as Kanwariyas , with a commitment to their well-being.
The Delhi government has set up camps for the devotees, particularly in East Delhi, Northeast Delhi, and Shahdara, to provide essential facilities like electricity, drinking water, toilets, and fans.
Mishra said the government has also made arrangements for streetlights, medical camps, and emergency services to ensure a smooth and safe journey for the Kanwariyas.
Meanwhile, tight security and monitoring arrangements have been put in place to ensure the smooth passage of the yatra.
The Kanwar camps, routes, and places will be monitored with CCTVs, drones, while police, traffic police and other civic agencies will also be on their toes to ensure smooth transit of the yatra.
Teams of the Public Works Department (PWD) will also be active and take care of responsibilities of things that fall under their jurisdiction.