Bijnor: In the wake of recent Pulwama terror attack, police have stepped up security to ensure no untoward incident happens when lakhs of kanwariyas pass through the city on way to Haridwar for a holy dip ahead of Mahashivratri celebration, which is on March 4.According to police sources, plans are afoot to conduct aerial surveillance through drones. At several places route diversions have been put in place and additional forces have been deployed. The plans will come into force on February 25.On the occasion of Mahashivratri, lakhs of devotees from Bijnor, Amroha, Sambhal, Moradabad, Rampur, Shahjahapur, Kashipur and Barielly districts pass through Bijnor every year on way to Haridwar, from where they fetch Ganga water. They embark on their journey days ahead of the festival. They reach Haridwar travelling hundreds of kilometres on foot and return to their native place to offer Ganga water at Lord Shiva’s temple on Mahashivratri.Superintendent of police, city, Lakshami Nivas said, “This time round, additional police forces will be deployed on the route the kanwariyas take and around those villages having a mixed population. Around 12 checkposts have been set up where special police teams will be deployed. Police personnel will also be in civil dress. If anyone tries to disturb peace, he will not be spared.”As many as seven control rooms will be set up and police will patrol sensitive areas, he said.The SP added that traffic will be banned on the kanwariya routes and will be diverted. “We have instructed power authorities to tighten the overhanging wire. Health department has also asked to deploy doctors at primary and community health centres besides making arrangements for medicine,” he added.“Divers will be at standby on the routes along canals. Several social outfits will set up camps to provide free service to the devotees.

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