Uttarakhand readies for Kaanvad pilgrimage, highways closed Aug 7‑11

District officials in Basti and the state government of Uttarakhand have intensified preparations for the annual Kaanvad pilgrimage, which begins on July 30. In Basti district, the magistrate and IG conducted on‑site inspections, issued detailed instructions on safety, health, sanitation and traffic management, and ordered the removal of construction materials and loose power lines along the route. The national highway will be completely closed from the night of August 7 through August 11, with alternative routes advised for travelers.

Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami directed that the pilgrimage be "safe, well‑organized and clean," ordering extra police deployment, CCTV, drone and AI monitoring, medical camps, sufficient ambulance services, and separate sanitation facilities for women. He emphasized strict enforcement of traffic rules, helmet use, and prohibition of tractor‑trolley travel, and warned of swift action against any disruptions or misinformation on social media.