VARANASI, July 29, 2013: The permanent abode of Lord Shiva was covered in a saffron hue following heavy influx of Kanwariyas on the eve of the first Monday of Shravan month.

In order ensure a peaceful Monday, the district administration and police implemented a fool-proof security plan on Sunday evening.

On the eve of first Monday, Kanwariyas from areas like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Bundelkhand, Fatehpur, Pratapgarh, Jaunpur and districts of western UP have arrived in the city.

Many more are on their way. Barricadings have been put in place through which Kanwariyas and other devotees would pass to reach Kashi Vishwanath temple.

By Sunday afternoon, hundreds of Kanwariyas had occupied the space in barricaded area. They are waiting for the doors of Kashi Vishwanath Temple (KVT) to open after midnight so that they could offer Jalabhishek and move towards other destinations.

SSP AK Mishra said that apart from available police and paramilitary forces, over 1,200 policemen, including additional SPs, DSPs, sub-inspectors, head constables, constables, womenpolice, tear gas and anti-riot squads, have been deployed along with five companies of PAC, two companies of RAF and a company of PAC's flood relief team.

He said that available forces have been deployed and the arrangement would remain effective till Monday midnight. He further said that installation of door frame metal detectors, close circuit television cameras, radio transmission and public address system too had been completed.

The traffic restrictions are in place on city outskirts and entry of heavy vehicles has been banned. The international traffic plan too became effective late in the night.

The police and paramilitary forces took out flag march in areas identified as communally sensitive and having mixed population.

The city roads presented a picture of communal harmony. While groups of Kanwariyas were rushing towards Dashaswamedh Ghat, Muslims were busy preparing for forthcoming Eid.

The SSP has prohibited all vehicular movement barring two-wheelers in the Beniabagh-Godowlia stretch to avoid traffic congestion till Eid.

Though security arrangements are in place, pitiable conditions of roads led to injuries to many Kanwariyas who walk bare-footed. Narsingh Das, who runs the biggest Kanwariya camp at Chitranjan Park near Dashaswamedh Ghat, said,

"Like past years we have made the arrangements for clock room, food, water and also first aid for the Kanwariyas at the camp. However, the number of Kanwariyas seeking medicines for injuries is quite high this time."

However, barring the camp no medical aid is available at the ghat even though district magistrate Pranjal Yadav had ordered for the same.
 

Source: The Times of India, DT. July 29, 2013.