Zero tolerance for attempts to disrupt Kanwar Yatra: Adityanath

Lucknow's Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath instructed officials to enforce a zero-tolerance stance against any attempts to interfere with the ongoing Kanwar Yatra. He emphasized that the pilgrimage stands for faith, discipline, and communal harmony, and any disruption or rumor-spreading must be handled sternly. Adityanath assured that misinformation would be countered immediately with factual clarification and stressed that lawlessness during religious events would not be accepted.

He highlighted that the Kanwar Yatra exemplifies social harmony amidst efforts to promote caste-based discrimination. Officials informed him that neighboring states were providing full cooperation, while the Ghaziabad Police reported over 70,000 pilgrims passing through the district, with numbers expected to increase in the next two days.

The chief minister directed heightened vigilance in Bareilly due to the concurrent Kanwar Yatra and Ala Hazrat Urs, praising the Muslim community's efforts to provide vegetarian food during the Urs as an example of mutual respect. Regarding fertilizer distribution, Adityanath confirmed no shortage of urea, D, and other fertilizers in the state but directed district magistrates to ensure transparent distribution, discourage black marketing, and verify land records before distribution.

He also ordered increased vigilance in districts bordering Nepal and expressed concern over crimes against women, directing officials to prioritize women's safety by strengthening Mission Shakti, deploying more women police personnel, intensifying patrolling in sensitive areas, and taking strict action against negligent officials and eve-teasers.

Adityanath reviewed the flood situation in eight districts, including Ballia, Barabanki, and Unnao, and directed officials to ensure adequate relief operations, immediate assistance to marooned residents, and prevention of river embankment erosion. He also mandated that only school vehicles meeting specified fitness standards operate, and drivers of school vehicles, taxis, and e-rickshaws be verified for passenger and student safety.

The chief minister cautioned that the state might receive good rainfall over the next week, urging all departments to remain on alert and complete advance preparedness.