Kanwar Yatra 2023: Traffic diverted near Kalindi Kunj for Kanwar Yatra in Noida. Heartwarming

Traffic diverted near Kalindi Kunj for Kanwar Yatra in Noida.

The Gautam Budh Nagar traffic police have implemented traffic restrictions and arrangements to accommodate the Kanwar pilgrims in the Noida region. Two out of the four lanes on the Delhi-Noida side, stretching from Okhla Barrage to Okhla Bird Sanctuary, have been reserved exclusively for the safe passage of the pilgrims. This adjustment has caused commuters to utilise the remaining two lanes, leading to traffic bottlenecks and congestion at Kalindi Kunj.

The Kanwar pilgrims, originating from Ghaziabad and various parts of western Uttar Pradesh, travel to Noida via Delhi’s Mayur Vihar. From there, they take the Okhla Bird Sanctuary route and exit at Kalindi Kunj, covering a distance of approximately 4 kilometres within Noida. Additionally, Kanwar Yatris from Haridwar, Delhi, and Faridabad also utilise this route for their commute.

Suniti, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic) for Gautam Budh Nagar, explained that two lanes have been exclusively allocated for the Kanwar pilgrims to ensure their safe passage. This annual pilgrimage takes place as the devotees return from Haridwar to their homes in Delhi, Faridabad, and other locations. To further assist the pilgrims, additional traffic police personnel have been deployed in the area. However, during peak hours, traffic congestion often arises at Kalindi Kunj. DCP Suniti expressed the intention to explore solutions to ease the traffic situation at that particular spot.

In addition to traffic management efforts, a dedicated camp has been established for Kanwar pilgrims behind the traffic police control room in Sector 14-A. This camp operates 24/7 and provides essential facilities such as food, water, and shelter to the pilgrims. The aim is to support and assist the pilgrims throughout their journey, ensuring their well-being and comfort.

The traffic arrangements and the establishment of the camp highlight the efforts undertaken by the Gautam Budh Nagar traffic police to cater to the needs of the Kanwar pilgrims. By reserving lanes exclusively for their safe passage and providing additional personnel for assistance, the authorities are striving to manage traffic effectively and ensure a smooth and secure journey for the pilgrims. The camp serves as a vital support system, offering crucial amenities to the pilgrims and underscoring the commitment of the traffic police to facilitate their pilgrimage experience.

In a recent incident at the Noida Kanwar camp, a devout pilgrim named Ram Pal, aged 32 and hailing from Palwal Village in Haryana made a stop on his journey. On a Tuesday, he arrived at the camp, having embarked on the arduous Kanwar Yatra, a religious pilgrimage to retrieve holy water from Haridwar. Ram Pal shared that he had reached Haridwar on July 6, covering a distance of approximately 360 km from his home. To ensure a manageable pace, he covers a daily average of 30–35 km.

This year marked his 14th consecutive year participating in the Kanwar Yatra, a testament to his unwavering faith in God and the support he receives along the way.
However, not all individuals on the road that day were engaged in religious pursuits. Several commuters found themselves trapped in a frustrating traffic jam at Kalindi Kunj, a location notorious for congestion. Vijay Singh, a resident of Sector 41 who commutes through this route daily, expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation.

He revealed that he was among the many unfortunate motorists stuck in traffic that Tuesday afternoon. Singh criticised the traffic police for their perceived mismanagement of the situation, particularly at the Delhi-Noida Okhla barrage, where they had blocked two lanes, leading to a bottleneck on the bridge. As a result, thousands of commuters had to endure the consequences of this poor traffic management.

The Kanwar Yatra, held annually during the Hindu month of Shravan (July–August), is a significant religious event for Lord Shiva devotees. Pilgrims undertake this journey to obtain water from the holy Ganges River in Haridwar, which is then used to bathe Lord Shiva’s lingam, a symbolic representation of the deity. Devotees carry these containers filled with Ganges water, known as Kanwars, on their shoulders, walking long distances to their hometowns or designated temples.

The Yatra attracts millions of participants each year, and it involves traversing vast distances on foot, often under challenging circumstances. Pilgrims, known as Kanwariyas, undertake this spiritual odyssey with unwavering devotion and determination. Many endure physical hardships, walking for days or even weeks, propelled by their faith in Lord Shiva. Along the way, these dedicated pilgrims encounter various facilities and support systems set up by local authorities and religious organisations. These amenities aim to alleviate their hardships and provide them with necessities such as food, water, medical assistance, and temporary shelter.

However, the massive influx of pilgrims, coupled with the existing traffic volume, can lead to severe congestion on the roads, causing inconvenience for other commuters. The situation at Kalindi Kunj, a major intersection connecting Noida and Delhi, is particularly notorious for traffic snarls. Its strategic location near the Yamuna River and the Okhla Barrage makes it a critical passage point for both commuters and pilgrims. Unfortunately, instances of poor traffic management exacerbate the congestion and can result in long delays and frustration for those travelling through the area.

Efficient traffic management during events like the Kanwar Yatra is essential to minimise disruptions and ensure the smooth flow of vehicles. Authorities responsible for overseeing these events must carefully plan and coordinate traffic arrangements to accommodate the influx of pilgrims while also considering the needs of other road users. This involves deploying additional personnel, implementing temporary traffic control measures, and utilising technology such as real-time monitoring systems and traffic diversion strategies.

By prioritising effective traffic management and addressing the challenges posed by large-scale religious processions, authorities can strike a balance between accommodating the religious sentiments of devotees and minimising inconvenience for the general public. Proper planning, coordination, and execution are vital to ensuring the safety and convenience of all individuals on the road during such events.