16 pilgrims from Delhi, UP, Haryana quarantined in Haridwar ashram

HARIDWAR:Sixteen pilgrims from Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Haryana were quarantined at Maheshwari ashram in Haridwar on Friday for entering Uttarakhand without permission, police said.

Har-Ki-Pauri police post incharge Arvind Raturi said eight pilgrims belong to Haryana, six from Delhi and two from UP. “They will pay the charge of the quarantine facility.”

Station house officer of city police station Amarjeet Singh said: “Apart from ash immersion, people from other states are not allowed for other rituals like taking holy Ganga dip or fetching Ganga jal. We are carrying out monitoring at Ganga ghats and checking drive is being done to ensure adherence of Unlock Down 2.0 guidelines,” said.

Senior Superintendent of Police Haridwar D Senthyl Aboodai Krishan Raj said from Friday onwards, district border with neighbouring Uttar Pradesh has been sealed as ‘Sawan’, during which Kanwar pilgrimage is carried out, commences from July 6.

At Ganga ghats, ashrams and border check posts, police are carrying out drives with sealing of border with UP being done at Narsain, Bhagwanpur, Roorkee and Chidiyapur. Police have also initiated an eviction drive to remove temporary shops being put up for Kanwar fair in and around Har-Ki-Pauri.

Several traders have expressed their displeasure over the government’s decision to cancel Kanwar fair this year.

“The administration is seeking cooperation from traders but they should also realize that for the past four months trading activities have been affected severely and with the government not allowing Kanwar fair, hope of traders has been dashed,” said district trader unit president Suresh Gulati.

HAR-KI-PAURI POLICE POST INCHARGE SAID EIGHT PILGRIMS BELONG TO HARYANA, SIX FROM DELHI AND TWO FROM UTTAR PRADESH