Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has said that the upcoming Haridwar Kumbh Mela 2027 will be organised in a truly divine and grand manner, with all permanent works to be completed by October 2026. Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Secretariat, the Chief Minister emphasised that the Kumbh preparations are among the top priorities of the state government and instructed all departments to work in close coordination to ensure smooth execution.
Strict Timelines for Permanent Works
Our Correnspondent reports, the Chief Minister directed that all Kumbh-related works should be categorised by priority and completed within the prescribed timelines. The master plan for the mela will clearly define sectors, routes, parking areas, ghats, and camp sites. He added that necessary land acquisition and temporary land use must be finalised well in advance.
Mr Dhami also called for the construction of new ghats, expansion of Kangra Ghat, and timely repair of existing ghats to ease pressure from the massive pilgrim crowds expected in 2027.
Roads, Bypasses, and Encroachment Removal
Highlighting connectivity as a key element of crowd management, the Chief Minister directed officials to expedite the completion of the Bahadrabad–Shyampur bypass, ensuring it is fully functional before the Kumbh. He also asked for a master plan for special tent arrangements in Shyampur, Gendi Khata, and Chandi Ghat areas.
The Chief Minister made it clear that all encroachments on government land and roads must be strictly removed to ensure a safe and smooth flow of devotees during the mela.
Cleanliness, Waste Management, and Women’s Facilities
Mr Dhami insisted on adopting a “Zero Waste” concept in the mela area. For this, arrangements will include solid waste management systems, recycling facilities, dustbins, and sufficient mobile toilets. Special emphasis will be placed on women’s facilities with adequate pink toilets and changing rooms.
He instructed that 24-hour cleanliness arrangements be made on the ghats and riverbanks, including Har Ki Pauri, where proper seating and arrangements for Ganga Aarti must also be ensured.
Safety and Crowd Management
The Chief Minister directed that all safety-related measures for pilgrims be completed on time. This includes crowd control, traffic diversions, parking arrangements, lifeguards at each ghat, security ropes, and motor boats. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that pilgrims carry positive experiences of Uttarakhand back with them. To achieve this, he asked officials to train personnel for courteous behaviour with visitors.
Health and IT Facilities
Mr Dhami instructed that health facilities in the mela area be strengthened with temporary hospitals, ambulances, and mobile medical teams. The government will also maximise the use of IT and digital services for mela management, with a dedicated mobile app, helplines, and information centres providing real-time updates to pilgrims.
Review Every 15 Days
Our Correspondent further adds, the Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to review Kumbh preparations every 15 days to maintain accountability and ensure steady progress.
The meeting was attended by legislators Madan Kaushik, Premchand Aggarwal, Adesh Chauhan, Renu Bisht, Ravi Bahadur, and Anupama Rawat, along with senior officials including Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, DGP Deepak Sethi, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, and mela officer Sonika.
A Top Priority for Uttarakhand
Mr Dhami reiterated that the Kumbh Mela is not only a religious and cultural event but also a showcase of Uttarakhand’s hospitality, infrastructure, and governance. Ensuring the safe and smooth conduct of the event is a matter of prestige for the state, he said, and promised that all efforts would be made to live up to the expectations of millions of devotees from across India and abroad.
