In a high level review meeting at the Secretariat on Thursday, Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan assessed the preparations for the Kumbh Mela 2027, directing departments to prioritise both permanent and temporary works to ensure smooth conduct of the event.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Secretary instructed that nodal officers be appointed without delay to oversee departmental responsibilities. He stressed the importance of completing works during the canal closure period and directed the Irrigation Department to complete all necessary formalities promptly. He further emphasised continuous coordination with Uttar Pradesh to extend the canal closure duration, which is crucial for timely progress on related projects.
During the meeting, Anand Bardhan also underlined the need for securing various No Objection Certificates at the earliest so that projects do not face avoidable delays. He urged DRM Moradabad Sangrah Maurya to expedite the beautification of railway stations and to ensure standard facilities at Government Railway Police stations. The Police and Railway Departments were instructed to jointly prepare a traffic plan to handle the large influx of pilgrims expected at the Mela.
Our correspondent adds that special focus was placed on strengthening policing and surveillance arrangements. The Chief Secretary directed that a robust surveillance system be installed and adequate temporary police stations be established in the Mela area. He also highlighted the challenge of keeping the ghats clean throughout the Kumbh and asked for a system to be created for continuous cleaning of the main ghats.
The review included instructions to begin construction and repair work on internal roads within the Kumbh Mela area at the earliest. These works are to be carried out by the Municipal Corporation with strict adherence to quality standards. The Irrigation Department was directed to incorporate green open spaces in the beautification of ghats and to ensure adequate facilities at women’s ghats.
Our correspondent reports that Anand Bardhan also placed strong emphasis on quality control. He instructed every department involved to ensure that their work met the highest standards and directed the Mela Officer to arrange for third party quality assurance for greater accountability.
Our correspondent adds that the meeting was attended by senior officials including Secretary Shailesh Bagoli, Nitesh Kumar Jha, Additional Director General of Police Dr V Murugesan, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, Inspector General Dr Nilesh Anand Bharne, Mela Officer Sonika, Secretaries C Ravishankar and Yugal Kishor Pant, along with the District Magistrates of the concerned districts.
Officials present said that preparations for the Kumbh 2027 are being closely monitored and the review meetings are aimed at addressing challenges in advance. The Chief Secretary reiterated that the Kumbh Mela is not only a religious event but also a matter of international visibility for the state, and therefore all works must be completed in a timely and efficient manner.
With millions of devotees expected to attend, the Kumbh 2027 in Haridwar is anticipated to be one of the largest gatherings in the world. The state government is making elaborate preparations to ensure safety, convenience and sanitation for pilgrims while also highlighting Uttarakhand’s cultural and spiritual heritage.
