Haridwar officials have directed agencies to accelerate redevelopment and safety work at major ghats and Hathipul ahead of Kumbh Mela-2027. The instructions were issued during an inspection led by Additional Mela Officer Dayanand Saraswati on Wednesday.
The inspection covered projects under the Har Ki Pauri and Rodi Belwala redevelopment plan. Saraswati told the executing agency, UPDCC, to complete repairs in submerged sections of the ghats while the Ganga canal remains closed.
He said the canal closure should be used fully so that the ghats are safe for pilgrims’ bathing and movement before the Kumbh preparations advance further. He also stressed that construction quality and pilgrim safety must remain priorities.
Safety work at the ghats
Officials were instructed to install railings and chains with sufficient height and strength at the bathing areas. Saraswati also checked the strength of existing railings and reviewed the quality of work being carried out on site.
The directions are intended to reduce safety risks for pilgrims using the ghats. Saraswati said there should be no negligence in arrangements connected with bathing activities.
The inspection included Vishnughat, Kushavart Ghat, Gau Ghat, Subhash Ghat and the Malviya Dweep area. Damaged tiles and stones are to be replaced quickly.
For new construction, officials were told to retain the colour, size and appearance of the existing structures. The instruction aims to keep the visual character of the sites consistent while repairs and redevelopment continue.
Hathipul repairs and lighting
Saraswati then reviewed the ongoing repair work at Hathipul. He directed officials to complete the installation of safety railings on the bridge up to the specified height without delay.
Instructions were also issued for repairing and beautifying the sculptures installed at the entrance and on the pillars. Adequate lighting was ordered as part of the work at the bridge.
The directions cover both structural safety and the appearance of facilities used by visitors. The work is being monitored as part of preparations for Kumbh Mela-2027.
The inspection was attended by Technical Cell Superintending Engineer Manoj Bhatt, UPDCC Project Manager Sumit Malwal and other officials. The executing agency is responsible for carrying out the works under the instructions issued during the inspection.
Conclusion
Haridwar’s administration is using the Ganga canal closure to speed up submerged ghat repairs, strengthen pilgrim safety measures and advance Hathipul improvements before Kumbh Mela-2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Why are the repairs being accelerated?
The work is being expedited as part of preparations for Kumbh Mela-2027.
Q. Which areas are included in the redevelopment work?
The work includes Har Ki Pauri, Rodi Belwala, Vishnughat, Kushavart Ghat, Gau Ghat, Subhash Ghat and the Malviya Dweep area.
Q. What work is planned during the Ganga canal closure?
Repairs will be completed in sections of the ghats that normally remain submerged in water.
Q. What safety measures were ordered at the ghats?
Officials were told to provide sufficiently high and strong railings and chains, while checking the strength of existing railings.
Q. What improvements are planned at Hathipul?
The plans include safety railings, repairs and beautification of sculptures, and adequate lighting.
Q. Which agency is carrying out the work?
UPDCC is the executing agency named during the inspection.
