Sambhal, Uttar Pradesh –
A tragic incident marred the ongoing Kanwar Yatra as one Kanwar pilgrim lost his life and three others sustained injuries after their motorcycle collided head-on with a tractor in the Sambhal district of Uttar Pradesh. The accident occurred on Saturday in the Asmauli police station area, underscoring the dangers pilgrims often face on congested rural roads during the holy month of Sawan.
According to police reports, the group of Kanwariyas was en route to Haridwar to collect sacred water from the Ganges River — a central ritual during the Kanwar Yatra. The incident took place while the bikers attempted to overtake another vehicle on a narrow stretch of road near the route to Urha village. As they tried to maneuver through the narrow passage, their bike crashed into an oncoming tractor, resulting in a fatal collision.
Official Statement from Authorities
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rajesh Kumar Srivastava addressed the media shortly after the incident. “Some Kanwar pilgrims travelling by motorcycle to Haridwar attempted to overtake on a narrow path in the Asmauli police station area. During this maneuver, they collided with an oncoming tractor,” said ASP Srivastava.
“One person died on the spot, and three others were injured. The deceased has been identified, and the body has been sent for postmortem examination,” he added. “The injured were provided primary treatment at the Sambhal District Hospital and have been referred to Moradabad for further medical attention. We appreciate the cooperation of the local community and emergency responders.”
The incident has once again raised concerns about the safety of Kanwar pilgrims, many of whom travel long distances on foot or by motorcycle on busy and often unsafe roads.
High-Tech Surveillance and Pilgrim Support Initiatives
In a proactive move to enhance safety and manage the large crowds expected during the Yatra, the Moradabad Municipal Corporation has launched several initiatives, including the deployment of advanced surveillance technology.
Under the project named Jatayu Van, HD drones have been deployed to monitor the Kanwar routes from the sky. These drones are transmitting live footage directly to the Integrated Command Control Centre (ICCC), ensuring that real-time updates reach authorities for immediate response. The feed is also being shared with officers on the ground via mobile phones for quicker decision-making and coordination.
Enhanced Facilities for Devotees
To cater to the growing number of Kanwar Yatris, the civic body has also established a grand Shiv Darbar — featuring a 30-foot idol of Lord Shiva — as a devotional centerpiece. A large Kanwar Yatra shed, capable of accommodating over 100 people, has been set up to provide rest and shelter to the pilgrims.
This year, the month of Sawan — deeply revered in Hindu tradition — began on July 11 and will continue until August 9. The period is marked by religious observances such as fasting, recitation of Shiva mantras, bhajans (devotional songs), and Rudrabhishek rituals performed at temples and homes across the country.
The Kanwar Yatra, considered one of the largest religious pilgrimages in the world, sees millions of Shiva devotees carrying Ganga water back to their local temples. While the spiritual fervor remains unshaken, incidents like the Sambhal accident have spotlighted the urgent need for stricter traffic regulations, safer road planning, and greater public awareness during the pilgrimage.
As the Yatra continues in full swing, authorities have urged all participants to prioritize safety, avoid overcrowding on narrow roads, and follow traffic guidelines diligently.
