Ghaziabad Police gets eye in sky for strict vigil on Kanwar Yatra

With half a dozen camera-fitted drones and a helicopter, Ghaziabad Police will keep a strict aerial vigil on the Kanwar Yatra in the city from August 6 to 9, an official said on Sunday.

The annual event, undertaken by Lord Shiva's devotees also known as Kanwariyas, commenced yesterday and will conclude on August 9 when the devouts will pour holy Ganga water on Shiva Lingas at prominent temples on the occasion of 'Mahashivratri'. Anticipating a heavy rush of Kanwariyas, the state government has consented to provide one helicopter to the Ghaziabad Police, the official said.

Keeping in view previous incidents of petty conflicts between Kanwariyas and locals, six camera fitted drones will be deployed to keep a watch on the sensitive areas, senior superintendent of police Vaibhav Krishna said.

A total of 150 CCTV cameras will be installed on the entire stretch in the city that will be traversed by Kanwariyas. They will be guarded by over 2500 policemen, he added.

SP (City) Akash Tomar and SP (Rural) Arvind Kumar Maurya have been designated as nodal officers for the city and rural area respectively, the SSP said. From all the entry points on Delhi-up borders to all exit points, 29 watch towers will be erected. On every such tower, two police constables equipped with binoculars, flash lights and automatic weapons will be deployed, he added.

Some traffic restrictions will be imposed for heavy vehicles while, unregistered vehicles like tractors will not be permitted to ply on NH-58-- Delhidehradun road, Krishna said.

Police will keep extra vigil on movement of anti-social elements dressed as Kanwariyas so that no unpleasant incident takes place. Safety and security of female Kanwariyas will be ensured, said Krishna.