Kanwar Yatra Sparks Traffic Concerns Across Delhi-NCR, UP

The ongoing Kanwar Yatra has sparked concerns over traffic congestion and public inconvenience across Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh.

Videos circulating on social media show long vehicle queues, oversized DJ vehicles, and loud music disrupting traffic in several districts.

One of the widely shared videos from Ghaziabad's Meerut Tiraha near the NH-9 Link Road shows massive traffic snarls after diversions were introduced to facilitate the movement of Kanwariyas. Commuters have reported long delays, especially on roads that are already prone to congestion during the monsoon.

Similar visuals from Muzaffarnagar and neighbouring districts also show large DJ vehicles accompanying Kanwar processions, with some allegedly violating the size and sound limits prescribed by the administration.

In a major enforcement action, Muzaffarnagar Police intercepted a DJ vehicle entering the district after finding multiple violations. The vehicle exceeded the permitted dimensions and was operating at sound levels beyond the approved limits.

Police also found several people sitting on top of the DJ structure, creating a serious safety hazard due to overhead power lines and other obstacles. Keeping public safety in view, police issued a ₹50,000 challan to the operator.

The vehicle was modified on the spot to comply with the prescribed norms before being allowed to continue. Authorities have warned that similar action will be taken against vehicles violating the guidelines during the pilgrimage.

To manage the movement of lakhs of Kanwariyas, administrations have imposed extensive traffic restrictions across Ghaziabad, Meerut, Muzaffarnagar and parts of Delhi-NCR. Several roads have been converted into one-way corridors, while heavy vehicles have been diverted from major pilgrimage routes.

This includes sections of the Delhi-Haridwar Highway, Ganga Canal Road and the Delhi-Meerut Expressway. The traffic restrictions are expected to continue until the end of the Kanwar Yatra.

The Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage where devotees carry holy water from the Ganges River to their homes. The pilgrimage attracts millions of devotees every year, causing significant traffic disruptions in the region.

The authorities are working to ensure a smooth and safe passage for the devotees, while also minimizing the inconvenience caused to the general public.

The situation is being closely monitored, and further measures may be taken to ease congestion and prevent accidents.

In the meantime, commuters are advised to plan their routes in advance and avoid traveling during peak hours to minimize delays.

The Kanwar Yatra is expected to continue for several more days, and the authorities will continue to work to manage the traffic situation and ensure public safety.

The ongoing traffic concerns and disruptions caused by the Kanwar Yatra are a significant issue for the people of Delhi-NCR and western Uttar Pradesh, and the authorities are working to find a solution to this problem.

The situation highlights the need for better traffic management and planning during large-scale events like the Kanwar Yatra, to minimize the inconvenience caused to the general public and ensure a safe and smooth passage for the devotees.