Other directives include installing CCTV cameras along the route and avoiding songs that are “filmy, vulgar or provocative.”
The trees are considered inauspicious by Shiva devotees. Credit: PTI
New Delhi: The Adityanath-led UP government has directed the pruning of gular or cluster fig trees along the route of the upcoming Kanwar Yatra, arguing that the trees are considered inauspicious by Shiva devotees.
According to a government spokesperson, the decision was taken in a high-level meeting with senior administrative and police officials to make arrangements for the annual pilgrimage. Over three crore devotees are expected to take part in the pilgrimage this year. It was the first time that the meeting was held at a chief ministerial level, reported The Hindu.
A statement issued by the UP information department said, “Gular adi jaese kanwariyon dwara apavitra mane jane pedon ki chhantai tatha mishrit jansankhya wale kshetron me CCTV camera ki wyawastha ke nirdesh bhi adhikariyon ko diye hain (Officers have been asked to trim cluster fig trees, which are considered inauspicious by the kanwariyas, and install CCTV cameras in the areas of mixed population).”
Several other directives were also given by the UP chief minister which include installing CCTV cameras in sensitive areas falling along the route of the yatra.
Adityanath has also asked the officials to ensure that Bollywood numbers and lewd and provocative songs are not belted out during the yatra. Permission will be granted to sing only bhajans but it is not clear how this will be monitored along the multiple routes the devotees take, reported The Telegraph.
According to Hindustan Times, the UP CM has also asked the officials to meet kanwariyas before the yatra and explain the dos and don’ts while they are on the move.
The pilgrimage is also going to be publicised through the media.