Security for Kawad Yatra strengthened

MUZAFFARNAGAR: In wake of the terrorist attack in Gurdaspur, the authorities here have increased security for the annual Kawad Yatra which is slated to begin on August 1.

The route of Kawad Yatra which passes through this district has been divided into 16 zones and 81 sectors. It has been increased from the earlier 75 sectors, District Magistrate Nikhil Chand Shukla said today.

One magistrate and police officer each would be posted in each sectors. CCTV cameras would be installed at all sensitive places and police in plain clothes would be deployed along the route, he said.

Kawadias are Lord Shiva devotees who gather at Haridwar every year to take a dip and collect water of river Ganga to offer to Lord Shiva.

Uttar Pradesh Health Department has reserved a ward in the district hospital and more than one hundred beds would be reserved for treatment of pilgrims. 24 mobile vans have also been arranged to provide treatment, the Chief Medical Officer said.

Kawad Yatra would start from August one and the devotees will pay obeisance at various Shiva temples on August 12.