The Delhi Government has put forth a proposal to significantly enhance financial assistance for Kanwar camps in anticipation of the upcoming Kanwar Yatra in 2026. Under the revised plan, larger camps could receive grants up to ₹15 lakh. This proposal is scheduled for deliberation by the Cabinet on Tuesday and aims to streamline fund disbursement through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT), while continuing to offer free electricity up to 1,200 units to registered Kanwar Samitis.
Information was available with The Chenab Times indicating that Chief Minister Rekha Gupta stated the decision to increase aid was driven by the growing number of devotees attending the pilgrimage and the escalating costs associated with organizing Kanwar camps. The Chief Minister highlighted that the scale of the Kanwar Yatra within Delhi has seen consistent expansion, necessitating these measures to ensure adequate financial support for the Samitis providing services to pilgrims.
Under the proposed framework, financial assistance for camps occupying an area of 20,000 sq ft or more and operating for a duration of six to twelve days will see an increase from ₹11 lakh to ₹15 lakh. Similarly, camps of comparable size operating for three to five days will be eligible for ₹9 lakh, an increment from the previous ₹6 lakh. The government has also made provisions for enhanced grants across all other categories of camp sizes.
Kanwar Samitis will continue to benefit from free electricity supply up to 1,200 units. Power distribution companies, BSES and TPDDL, have been instructed to ensure the timely provision of electricity connections prior to the commencement of the yatra. Any electricity consumption exceeding the allocated 1,200 units will be the responsibility of the respective Samitis.
To expedite the release of these funds, the government has proposed a direct disbursement mechanism managed by the offices of the concerned District Magistrates. The grants will be issued in two instalments via DBT. Fifty percent of the sanctioned amount will be disbursed in advance, with the remaining 50 percent to be transferred post-yatra, subject to verification through geo-tagged photographs and inspection reports.
The existing single-window clearance system for organizing the yatra will be maintained, facilitating coordination among various government departments. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) will be responsible for sanitation and waste management. The Health Department and CATS will deploy medical personnel and ambulances, while the Delhi Jal Board will ensure the supply of drinking water. The Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) will provide mobile toilet facilities. The Delhi Police and Traffic Police will manage security and traffic regulation throughout the event.
The Chief Minister also announced that the committee has recommended retaining the list of Kanwar Samitis and camp sites that were approved for the 2025 yatra for the upcoming event. No new Samitis or camp sites have been proposed for approval this year, suggesting a focus on established and vetted organizations.
MCD Prepares for Kanwar Yatra, Orders Sanitation Drive at 308 Camp Sites
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is actively preparing for the 2026 Kanwar Yatra, with all its zonal offices directed to complete necessary civic arrangements. An estimated 308 Kanwar camp sites across the city are expected to become operational between July 30 and August 11.
An official memorandum issued by Additional Commissioner (DEMS) Arun K. Mishra has mandated all Deputy Commissioners to oversee the removal of encroachments from designated camp sites. Furthermore, comprehensive sanitation measures are to be implemented in three shifts to ensure continuous cleanliness. The directive also includes conducting fumigation activities before and during the yatra, alongside measures aimed at preventing water- and vector-borne diseases.
The civic body has further ordered the closure of any unauthorized and unlicensed meat shops situated along the Kanwar routes or in proximity to the camp sites. In line with previous years, mobile dispensaries are to be stationed at major camps to provide on-site medical assistance. Deputy Commissioners have been instructed to maintain close coordination with District Magistrates, who serve as the nodal officers for issuing No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and overseeing the overall arrangements for the Kanwar camps.
The Chenab Times News Desk