[BREAKING] Movement of Kanwariyas to bring Gangajal from Haridwar should not be allowed; Gangajal should be provided via tankers: Centre to SC

The Central government has told the Supreme Court that movement of “Kanwariyas” for bringing "Gangajal‟ from Haridwar to the Shiv temples of their choice should not be allowed in view of COVID-19 pandemic..However, considering the age old custom of Kanwar Yatra and the religious sentiments attached to it, State governments must develop a system to make holy "Gangajal‟ available through tankers at identified / designated locations so that nearby devotees can collect such "Gangajal‟ and do “ABHISHEK” at the nearest Shiv temples.."So far as the subject matter of the present proceedings i.e. "Kanwar Yatra‟ is concerned, the State Governments must not permit movement of “Kanwariyas” for bringing "Gangajal‟ from Haridwar to the Shiv temples of their choice. However, considering the age-old customs and religious sentiments attached, the State Governments must develop a system to make holy "Gangajal‟ available through tankers which should be available at an identified / designated locations so that nearby devotees can collect such "Gangajal‟ and do "ABHISHEK” upon their nearest Shiv temples," the affidavit filed by Central government said. .State governments must also ensure that this exercise of distribution of "Gangajal" amongst devotees and the rituals to be performed by such devotees in the nearby Shiv Temples take in adherence to social distancing, wearing of masks and all steps required for COVID appropriate behavior and COVID health protocols, the affidavit added. .The affidavit was filed in suo motu case initiated by the top court after the State of Uttar Pradesh had decided to allow annual Kanwar Yatra amid COVID-19.The top court had said on Wednesday that "we cannot compromise “even a bit” when third wave of COVID stares at us."I read something in the Indian Express. The citizens of India are completely perplexed. They don't know what is going on. And all this amid the Prime Minister, when asked about a third wave of Covid striking the nation, saying 'we cannot compromise even one bit," Justice Nariman had said while issuing notice to UP government.The newspaper report referred to in the order is a July 14, 2021, one by Indian Express which said: "AMID FEARS of a possible third wave of Covid-19, the Uttarakhand government on Tuesday suspended the Kanwar Yatra even as neighbouring Uttar Pradesh is pressing ahead with the annual ritual that sees a heavy movement of pilgrims2 across states in the northern belt."The case is slated to be taken up on Friday.