New Delhi, June 4: Chief Minister Rekha Gupta of Delhi chaired a review meeting on Thursday regarding the preparations for the Kanwar Yatra 2026. After assessing the arrangements, she instructed that the registration process for Kanwar committees should commence on time. All preparations must be completed to start registrations by July 1.
She emphasized that existing committees should be provided with necessary documents and information regarding annual audit formalities promptly to avoid any difficulties during the application process.
The meeting included participation from Minister of Art and Culture and Kanwar Committee President Kapil Mishra, committee members Ajay Mahawar, Anil Vajpayee, Kartar Singh Tanwar, Sanjay Goyal, and Umang Bajaj, along with senior officials from various departments. The revenue department, Delhi Police, Public Works Department, Delhi Municipal Corporation, Delhi Fire Service, Delhi Water Board, DUSIB, and other relevant departments presented their readiness updates.
The revenue department informed the Chief Minister that 308 Kanwar camps were successfully operated in Delhi last year. For the first time, it was decided to transfer grant amounts directly to the bank accounts of Kanwar committees and implement a single-window system. Committee members and representatives noted that this system increased transparency, resolved many issues, and was well-received by the Kanwar committees.
During the review meeting, representatives from the Kanwar committees expressed that the current grant amount for large camps is insufficient due to high expenses for tents and other essential arrangements. Some committees suggested increasing the grant or providing tents directly from the government as before.
In response, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta assured that the government would positively consider all suggestions and may increase the grant amount if necessary. She stated that the government’s goal is to provide every possible support to Kanwar committees to enhance facilities for devotees.
The meeting also reviewed challenges and suggestions from the previous year. Committee members recommended increasing the number and quality of mobile toilets, ensuring regular cleaning, providing 24/7 medical facilities, arranging sufficient drinking water, ensuring uninterrupted availability of gas cylinders, timely installation of hoardings and promotional materials, and preparing in advance for waterlogging issues during the rains.
CM Rekha Gupta instructed officials to complete drainage and other necessary improvement works in areas where waterlogging occurred last year. She insisted that the mobile toilets set up at Kanwar camps should be of high quality, and the responsibility for their cleaning and maintenance should be clearly assigned to the relevant agency. Additionally, proper branding of the facilities provided by the Delhi government should be ensured.
She specifically reviewed health services at the Kanwar camps, directing that 24-hour medical facilities be made available to devotees. She called for the deployment of doctors and health workers in separate shifts to ensure treatment is accessible both day and night. The meeting also extensively discussed security and traffic management.
CM Rekha Gupta instructed the Delhi Police and Traffic Police to ensure that all preparations related to security, barricading, route diversion, PCR deployment, and accident prevention along Kanwar routes are completed on time. She also directed that plans for welcome gates, flower showers, and other arrangements to greet devotees at major entry points be made in advance.
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