Delhi Loud Kanwar Yatra Decibel Levels Peak as Pilgrimage Nears End
Delhi for a fifth consecutive day, loud music from trucks blared across city roads, causing significant traffic jams and gridlocking key junctions on Tuesday as the Kanwar Yatra entered its final leg. Pilgrims, often seated atop large music systems on trucks, occupied main carriageways, disregarding designated lanes. Despite numerous complaints from residents regarding the deafening noise and traffic disruptions, particularly during rush hours, police stated they could only request pilgrims to lower the volume, citing limitations on further action. Many residents expressed frustration over the persistent noise, especially late at night.
City police officials confirmed receiving nearly 250 complaints so far, all of which they claimed were attended to. They stated that thousands of personnel are deployed across Delhi to manage law and order and traffic during this period, actively working to ensure public convenience by requesting louder music systems to be turned down. However, motorists continued to suffer prolonged delays during the morning rush hour on Tuesday. The combination of heavy pilgrim movement and a spell of rainfall created double trouble, leading to hours-long jams on major arteries including NH 48, Outer Ring Road, Ring Road, Kalindi Kunj, Shahdara, Tis Hazari, and Kashmere Gate.
Anticipating further congestion, the Delhi Traffic Police issued a detailed advisory and imposed restrictions on vehicular movement along critical stretches. The movement of buses and commercial vehicles is prohibited on the stretch from Tis Hazari to Shahdara at Yudhister Setu. Similarly, commercial vehicles are barred from entering from ISBT Kashmere Gate towards Tis Hazari on Boulevard Road. On Lothian Road, commercial vehicles are not permitted from GPO Chowk to ISBT Kashmere Gate. These restrictions are expected to continue through Wednesday, particularly until afternoon, as the influx of pilgrims remains substantial and challenging to manage despite police deployment.
The Kanwar Yatra, which involves devotees carrying holy water, is a significant annual pilgrimage that draws large numbers of participants. While authorities attempt to balance religious observance with urban management, the sheer volume of pilgrims and their associated vehicles, particularly those fitted with powerful sound systems, pose a recurring challenge for city infrastructure and residents. The pilgrimage is set to culminate on Wednesday, coinciding with the festival of Sawan Shivratri, which typically sees a further surge in pilgrim numbers.
As the Kanwar Yatra concludes, city officials anticipate traffic conditions will gradually ease. The police continue to advise commuters to avoid affected routes and utilize alternative paths. This annual event consistently highlights the need for effective strategies to manage large-scale religious processions within a bustling metropolitan environment, balancing tradition with public convenience and noise regulations.
