Haridwar, Aug. 3 -- As the Kanwar Yatra progresses, authorities in Haridwar have put in place extensive cleanliness, security and crowd-management measures to ensure the smooth conduct of the annual pilgrimage and provide a safe and hassle-free experience for the lakhs of devotees arriving in the holy city.

The Kanwar Yatra began on July 30, coinciding with the first day of the sacred month of Sawan, and will conclude on August 11 with the Sawan Shivratri Jal Abhishek.

Every year, the pilgrimage attracts Lord Shiva devotees from across the country, who collect holy water from the River Ganga in Haridwar and carry it to Shiva temples in different parts of northern India.

Speaking to IANS, Haridwar Municipal Commissioner Nandan Kumar sai...