Haridwar, Aug. 8 -- Around 25 million Kanwariyas arrived in Uttarakhand through Haridwar during the first nine days of the ongoing Shravan Kanwar fair to collect holy Ganga water, with authorities expecting the number to rise further before the pilgrimage concludes, officials said on Friday. According to Kanwar Mela officials, between 3 million and 4 million devotees of Lord Shiva are arriving in Haridwar every day, primarily from northern states. The annual pilgrimage began on July 30 and will conclude on August 11. "Considering that around 25 million Kanwariyas have arrived so far since the Kanwar fair began on July 30, and with three more days remaining, we expect the total footfall to surpass last year's figure of 4.52 crore," said Abhay Pratap Singh, superintendent of city police, Haridwar. Authorities said they have maintained elaborate security and traffic arrangements across Haridwar and along the Kanwar routes in view of the huge influx of devotees. Police teams are keeping a close watch on Kanwariyas travelling in vehicles carrying large or elevated decorative structures. Officials said vehicles carrying Kanwars exceeding the prescribed height and width limits are being stopped and turned back to prevent accidents and traffic disruptions. More than 100 such vehicles are reportedly being sent back almost every day from Narsain, the border point between Uttarakhand and neighbouring Uttar Pradesh. Police are also monitoring the use of DJ systems and stereos during the pilgrimage. Vehicles playing music at excessively high volumes are being checked, and sound systems violating prescribed norms are being stopped, officials said. The massive movement of Kanwariyas has led to heightened traffic management measures on major routes connecting Haridwar with neighbouring states. Police has been deployed at key points to regulate their movement. Officials expect a further surge in the number in the final phase of the pilgrimage....