Dehradun: Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan held a high-level meeting at the Secretariat on Wednesday to review the preparations for Kumbh Mela 2027. During the meeting, he expressed displeasure over delays in issuing government orders (GOs) for construction works and directed that all objections be resolved and GOs be issued within three days.
He instructed that the process of land acquisition and allocation for the Kumbh Mela should begin immediately and directed departments to ensure land allocation by June 30. He also asked construction agencies to strengthen their offices and arrangements in the fair area and prioritize temporary works.
Regarding traffic management, the Chief Secretary directed the Mela Officer, IG Kumbh, and DRM Moradabad to hold coordination meetings and finalize railway and road traffic plans at the earliest. He also ordered the swift completion of road connectivity, junctions, and spur construction on Haridwar, Najibabad, and Manglaur routes. Emphasis was also placed on strengthening parking and traffic management in nearby districts.
The Chief Secretary directed the preparation of a dedicated sanitation plan for the Kumbh area, stating that cleanliness must be the top priority given the expected arrival of millions of devotees. He also instructed authorities to ensure basic facilities such as toilets, food, accommodation, and information centers at parking sites, entry points, and the fair area.
It was also decided to organize cultural programs showcasing local traditions during the Kumbh. The Chief Secretary assigned responsibility to the Culture, Tourism, and Information Departments, directing them to organize mythological, historical, and folk culture-based programs on non-major bathing days to give global recognition to Uttarakhand’s cultural heritage. Several senior officials, including Secretary Nitesh Kumar Jha, Sonika, and Yogendra Singh Rawat, were present at the meeting.
