MEERUT, June 28 -- Preparations are in full swing for Kanwar Yatra 2025 in Meerut and Bareilly. The annual event is set to commence on July 11 and conclude on August 9. Kanwar Yatra is an annual pilgrimage of Lord Shiva's devotees, known as kanwariyas, who fetch holy Ganga water during the auspicious Hindu holy month of Shravan. This holy water is then offered to Lord Shiva. The administration in both the districts are making extensive arrangements to ensure a safe and spiritually enriching experience for Lord Shiva devotees. In Meerut, a major transit point for kanwariyas, the administration is prioritising infrastructure, security, and sanctity. District Magistrate Vijay Kumar Singh said, "We are working round-the-clock to ensure pothole-free roads by June 30 and have instructed officials to conduct mock drills for seamless coordination. Our goal is to provide a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for every devotee." To preserve the yatra's sanctity, strict guidelines are in place. "The sale of meat and liquor along Kanwar routes is strictly prohibited, and all shops must display the operator's name and a standardized rate list," said Meerut's commissioner Hrishikesh Bhaskar Yashod. Meerut police are enforcing restrictions on DJ vehicles. Superintendent of police (city) Ayush Vikram Singh said, "DJ vehicles must not exceed 12 feet in height and 14 feet in width and no obscene or provocative songs will be tolerated. We've met with over 200 DJ operators to ensure compliance." Social media monitoring will also be intensified to curb rumours and maintain public safety. In Bareilly, a dedicated kanwar cell is overseeing logistics. Senior superintendent of police (SSP) Anurag Arya said, "The kanwar cell will maintain detailed records of kanwariya groups and ensure smooth coordination across districts. Our focus is on crowd management, traffic control and immediate access to medical services."...