Haridwar: Regarding preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027 Haridwar, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan visited Haridwar and conducted on-site inspections of various ongoing and proposed projects. He also held a review meeting with officials to assess progress.
He directed officials to complete all projects within the stipulated timeline and maintain quality in construction. He stressed better coordination among departments to ensure readiness before the event.
During inspection, he reviewed construction work of ghats from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ghat (Kamdhenu Ghat) to Singhdwar along the Upper Ganga Canal, as well as Bairagi Camp Ghat. He instructed that ghats should be built according to modern standards, ensuring safety and convenience for devotees, including ramps, changing rooms, and sanitation facilities for elderly and differently-abled pilgrims.
He also emphasized developing “Green Ghats” with greenery and landscaping using plants and flowers.
The Chief Secretary inspected the construction of a 60-meter bridge over the Pathri Rao River on the Jwalapur–Eidgah–PAC–Shivalik Nagar route and directed timely completion with quality.
He reviewed the widening of the Bahadrabad–SIDCUL road and stressed its importance for smooth traffic during the Kumbh, directing priority completion.
Inspection of the 90-meter span bridge on the Dhanauri–SIDCUL link road was also conducted, with instructions to complete river-related work before the monsoon.
He reviewed progress of the Haridwar Bypass Ring Road project and instructed National Highways Authority of India to expedite work, set weekly targets, and ensure completion before the Kumbh.
He also inspected construction of a 1500 kiloliter overhead water tank at Bairagi Camp and directed timely completion of drinking water projects.
He said the Kumbh Mela is an international event attracting lakhs of devotees from India and abroad, and all departments must work responsibly. He emphasized traffic management, security, sanitation, lighting, and basic amenities.
He also inspected the command and control center at the fair control building and directed increased use of modern technology, IT systems, and artificial intelligence.
Several officials including Nitesh Jha, Vinay Shankar Pandey, Mayur Dixit, and Navneet Singh Bhullar were present.
