U.P. Expects 60 Million Devotees for Kanwar Yatra

Quick Summary

• The Uttar Pradesh government estimates that 60 million devotees, including seven million women, will participate in the annual kanwar Yatra (July 11-23).
• Over 10,000 women police personnel have been deployed along the Yatra route as part of a women-centric security model initiated by CM Yogi Adityanath.
• Female constables are mandatory in Quick Response Teams (QRTs), even during night shifts, and are stationed at special help desks for real-time assistance.
• Shakti Help Booths, organized with women’s voluntary groups, have been launched to aid pilgrims further.
• Enhanced technological surveillance-including drones, CCTVs, and social media monitoring-is being implemented to ensure safety across routes.Over 100 women’s helpdesks have been set up in Meerut zone alone.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The proactive measures taken by the Uttar Pradesh government signify an evolving commitment to gender-sensitive infrastructure during mass events like the Kanwar Yatra. Deploying over 10,000 female police personnel-a significant portion of total forces-represents a notable step toward inclusive security arrangements amidst large-scale gatherings typically dominated by men. Efforts such as Shakti Help Booths and technological surveillance suggest an attempt to enhance safety while addressing existing concerns regarding vulnerabilities faced by female participants.

This initiative may foster empowerment among female devotees participating in religious events traditionally designed without gender-specific considerations; though, consistent execution remains vital for lasting impact. The state’s reliance on collaborative efforts with civil society organizations underscores a growing recognition of community participation’s role in public safety implementation.

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