The Delhi-Haridwar highway will be closed for all vehicular traffic from August 4 to August 12 to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of the Kanwar Yatra.

The decision was jointly taken by Delhi Police, Uttar Pradesh Police and Uttarakhand Police after assessing security arrangements and traffic management plans.

The restrictions have been imposed as lakhs of Kanwariyas are expected to travel to collect water from the Ganga in Haridwar and other pilgrimage centres before returning to their hometowns.

Traffic restrictions on key stretches of the highway will impact most private and commercial vehicles. Emergency vehicles including ambulances, fire services and police vehicles will be allowed to operate. The authorities have issued diversion plans for vehicles moving from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand and adjoining states.  

The restrictions are necessary, officials said, because of the huge number of pilgrims. The objective is to ease traffic congestion, avoid accidents and ensure safe movement of devotees. 

Police have advised commuters to avoid the Delhi-Haridwar route during the restricted period and to use alternate highways wherever possible. According to the traffic advisory, transport operators have been asked to change their travel schedules. The route will have extra police, traffic wardens and surveillance teams to monitor the movement of vehicles and control the crowds.                               

The Kanwar Yatra is one of the biggest annual religious pilgrimages in North India that draws lakhs of devotees from Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Rajasthan, Punjab and other states. Every year, special traffic arrangements are made to manage the huge inflow of pilgrims travelling on foot and in designated vehicles.

Officials are busy making last minute preparations for the yatra, including security checks, medical camps, temporary shelters and help centres along the route. Commuters are advised to follow official traffic advice and plan journeys in advance to avoid delays. The restrictions will continue till August 12, after which normal movement of traffic is likely to resume on the Delhi–Haridwar highway.

Tamil actor Dhanush has sparked political rumours after urging his fan clubs to focus on public service and “find a purpose” beyond celebrating his films during a blood donation camp in Chennai.

While his remarks triggered widespread discussion online, the actor hasn’t formally announced his political entry.

Addressing members of his fan associations, Dhanush encouraged them to channel their collective strength towards welfare initiatives that could positively impact society. He urged his supporters to identify the needs of people in their local communities and extend help wherever possible, saying he wanted his fans to be known for their service rather than just their support for his films.

The speech quickly gained attention on social media, with several users drawing comparisons between Dhanush and actor-politician Vijay, whose fan clubs had similarly expanded their welfare activities before he formally entered politics. Many online users interpreted Dhanush’s emphasis on organised social work as a possible indication of future political ambitions.

Dhanush did not make any reference to joining politics or launching a political outfit during his address. His speech remained focused on encouraging fans to undertake blood donation drives, charitable work and other community welfare initiatives.

The actor’s fan clubs have long been involved in social service activities, including relief work, blood donation camps and assistance during natural disasters. His latest remarks have, however, brought back online discussions over whether he could eventually follow the path taken by Vijay and several other Tamil cinema personalities who entered public life.

Kuki-Zo organisations on Thursday launched a counter-economic blockade in Manipur, demanding that the Centre and the state government ensure uninterrupted movement of essential commodities to the hill districts amid renewed tensions over access to the highways.

The counter-blockade comes in response to the ongoing disruption of traffic on Manipur’s major transport routes with Kuki-Zo groups alleging restrictions on goods have hit residents of hill areas. They urged authorities to restore the free movement of food, medicines, fuel and other essential supplies, saying civilians should not bear the weight of the ongoing ethnic conflict.

In a joint statement, the organisations said the protest would continue until the government took concrete steps to guarantee safe passage for essential commodities and secure national highways. They also appealed to the authorities to prevent any further obstruction to the supply chain and ensure that relief and emergency services remain unaffected.

The development follows heightened tensions over the movement of vehicles on Manipur’s trunk routes, which serve as the primary lifeline for transporting goods across the state. The blockade is expected to impact logistics and transportation if the deadlock continues.

Security has been tightened along vulnerable stretches of highways, with additional personnel deployed to maintain law and order and facilitate the movement of essential supplies. Officials said the administration is monitoring the situation and is making efforts to prevent further escalation while ensuring that basic commodities continue to reach affected areas.

Manipur has witnessed repeated disruptions to road connectivity since ethnic violence erupted in the state, with competing blockades affecting supply of essential goods and normal life. The latest counter-blockade highlights the continuing challenges facing the administration in restoring stability and maintaining uninterrupted access to critical transport routes.