The annual ‘Ganga Bandi’ closure is used to inspect and repair sections of the canal system that cannot be examined properly during year-round operation, Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department Executive Engineer Vikas Tyagi said in remarks reported by ANI from Haridwar, Uttarakhand.

Tyagi said the canal network has an important role beyond irrigation. It supplies drinking water to the Delhi-NCR region and supports thermal power stations, including the NTPC Dadri plant, as well as several run-of-the-river hydroelectric power stations.

Why the closure is needed

According to Tyagi, many canal components remain submerged or continue operating throughout the year. That makes a thorough inspection difficult while the system is in use.

The closure period exposes damage that may otherwise remain hidden. Officials can then assess the condition of the infrastructure, plan the required work and carry out repairs, he said.

The remarks explain the maintenance purpose of ‘Ganga Bandi’ without giving a specific closure duration or detailing individual repair works. The exercise is described as an annual process linked to the need to inspect infrastructure safely and properly.

Kumbh-related work and Green Corridor

Tyagi also said projects connected with the Kumbh Mela are spread across different locations and are covered by a specific plan for the closure period. Some of those works are being executed by the Uttarakhand government.

He separately referred to a ‘Green Corridor’ project, but clarified that it is not directly linked to the ‘Ganga Bandi’ exercise. No further details about the project were provided in the remarks.

Regional relevance

The canal system’s role in drinking-water supply and power generation means that maintenance planning has significance beyond the work sites in Haridwar. The closure provides an opportunity to address damage while officials also coordinate projects planned for the same period.

Conclusion

‘Ganga Bandi’ is an annual canal-maintenance exercise that allows hidden damage to be identified and repaired. The system also supports Delhi-NCR drinking-water supplies, the NTPC Dadri plant and run-of-the-river hydroelectric stations, while separate planning covers some Kumbh Mela-related works.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q. What is ‘Ganga Bandi’?

‘Ganga Bandi’ is an annual closure and maintenance exercise for the canal system.

Q. Why is the canal system closed for maintenance?

The closure allows officials to inspect components that remain submerged or in use during the year and identify damage.

Q. Which region receives drinking water from the canal system?

The system supplies drinking water to the Delhi-NCR region.

Q. Which power facilities does the system support?

It supports thermal power stations such as the NTPC Dadri plant and several run-of-the-river hydroelectric power stations.

Q. Are Kumbh Mela projects linked to the closure period?

Tyagi said Kumbh Mela projects at different locations have a specific plan connected with the closure period.

Q. Is the Green Corridor project part of ‘Ganga Bandi’?

No. Tyagi said the Green Corridor project is not directly linked to the ‘Ganga Bandi’ exercise.