Haridwar (Uttarakhand) [India], April 2 (ANI): Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan on Thursday conducted an on-site inspection in Haridwar to review the progress of various ongoing and proposed works related to preparations for Kumbh Mela-2027.

During the visit, he directed officials to ensure that all projects are completed within the stipulated timelines while maintaining high-quality standards, and emphasised the need for stronger inter-departmental coordination to expedite the work, a release said.

He inspected the under-construction ghats from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ghat (Kamdhenu Ghat) on the left bank of the Upper Ganga Canal to Singh Dwar, as well as the Bairagi Camp Ghat. He stressed that the ghats should be developed as per modern standards, keeping in mind the convenience, safety, and smooth movement of devotees to avoid any mismanagement during the Kumbh.

The Chief Secretary also directed officials to ensure proper arrangements for ramps and other accessibility features for the elderly and persons with disabilities, along with adequate changing rooms and sanitation facilities. He further instructed that 'Green Ghats' be developed for Kumbh Mela-2027 by creating green belts and beautifying the ghats with plants and flowers.

Subsequently, he inspected the construction of a 60-meter-long pre-stressed RCC bridge over the Pathri Rao river at km 3 on the Jwalapur-Idgah-PAC-Shivalik Nagar motor road. He also reviewed the widening and strengthening work of the Bahadrabad-SIDCUL road (from Bhaichara Dhaba to BHEL Sector-6 via Shivalik Nagar Chowk and up to BHEL Central Road), stating that this route is crucial for smooth traffic management during the Kumbh and should be completed on priority.

He also inspected the construction of a 90-meter span bridge over the Pathri Rao river on the Dhanori-SIDCUL link road, downstream of the old Ganga canal siphon, and directed that work be accelerated. He emphasised that riverbed-related works should be completed before the monsoon to avoid disruptions due to rising water levels.

The Chief Secretary reviewed the progress of the Haridwar bypass ring road project and directed NHAI officials to complete the work without delay. He instructed that weekly targets be set and progress be monitored regularly as per the timeline.

He further directed that the under-construction flyover on the Delhi highway be completed on the highest priority and that the District Magistrate of Haridwar be provided with daily progress reports.

He also inspected the progress of a 1500 kilolitre capacity overhead water tank and other related works at Bairagi Camp. He directed that all water supply projects be completed on time to ensure uninterrupted and clean drinking water during the Kumbh.

Highlighting the significance of Kumbh Mela-2027 as a major international event that will attract a large number of devotees from across the country and abroad, he emphasised that all departments must work with full responsibility and dedication.

He also directed that equal priority be given to traffic management, security arrangements, sanitation, lighting, and other essential services.

He instructed that all projects be regularly monitored and that any issues be resolved promptly to ensure there are no shortcomings in the preparations.

The Chief Secretary also inspected the Command and Control Centre operating at the Mela Control Building and reviewed the security and surveillance systems. He directed officials to ensure the use of the latest IT applications and artificial intelligence for enhanced monitoring and management. (ANI)