Key Highlights
- Preparations intensify for Haridwar’s 2027 Ardh Kumbh Mela with new bridges and anti-encroachment drives.
- “Digital Kumbh” plans to introduce AI monitoring, e-passes, and real-time crowd control.
- CM Pushkar Singh Dhami prioritizes cleanliness, infrastructure, and strict departmental coordination.
Haridwar, Uttarakhand: Preparations for the 2027 Ardh Kumbh Mela are accelerating as authorities move swiftly to upgrade infrastructure and sanitation around the sacred Har Ki Pauri area. A new signboard announcing “temporary bridge construction in progress” marks the start of key connectivity works across the ghats to ease pilgrim movement.
Officials have launched a large-scale anti-encroachment drive, clearing unauthorized settlements along the Haridwar–Rishikesh corridor, Bairagi Camp, and Chandi Ghat. Authorities warned that illegal structures on Kumbh-designated land will be demolished if not vacated voluntarily.
Massive Overhaul Before December 2026
Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan recently reviewed progress across key zones, setting a strict completion deadline of December 2026. His focus areas include constructing new ghats, reinforcing old steps, adding safety railings, cultural pavilions, ropeways, and boosting accommodation for lakhs of devotees. To ensure transparency, Bardhan has ordered third-party audits of all major projects.
Dhami Pushes for a ‘Grand and Clean’ Kumbh
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami emphasized that delivering a spiritually enriching yet efficiently managed Kumbh remains the state’s top priority. He urged departments to maintain tight coordination, adhere to timelines, and give special attention to cleanliness, infrastructure, and crowd control. The CM also directed officials to clear all encroachments from public roads and lands to prevent bottlenecks during the festival.
A High-Tech ‘Digital Kumbh’
The 2027 edition is being promoted as India’s first “Digital Kumbh.” Plans include AI-based crowd monitoring, geospatial mapping, digital IDs, and e-passes for pilgrims. A centralized command and control center will manage real-time updates on security, sanitation, and logistics. Proposals also cover smart signage, drone mapping, and IoT sensors to monitor ghats and riverbanks.
Temporary City for 25,000 Devotees
A sprawling temporary city is planned within Haridwar, divided into 32 sectors featuring police outposts, hospitals, information centers, and housing. Around 10 permanent complexes and 150 temporary camps will accommodate nearly 25,000 pilgrims during the peak days of the fair.
With bridge construction now underway and large-scale modernization in motion, Haridwar is gearing up for a cleaner, smarter, and more organized Kumbh Mela 2027 experience.
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