KumbhMela – Dhami Seeks Early Clearance for 2027 Plans
KumbhMela – Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami held a detailed meeting with Union Jal Shakti Minister CR Patil in New Delhi to review key preparations linked to the upcoming Mahakumbh in Haridwar and ongoing projects under the Namami Gange programme.
The discussion focused on accelerating approvals and financial support to ensure that the large-scale religious gathering in 2027 is conducted smoothly, with a strong emphasis on environmental protection and public services.
Push for Timely Approval of Clean Ganga Projects
According to an official statement from the Chief Minister’s Office, Dhami urged the Union Minister to grant early approval for projects worth Rs 408.82 crore proposed under the National Mission for Clean Ganga. These initiatives are considered essential to maintaining sanitation standards and ecological balance during the Kumbh period.
The Mahakumbh, scheduled between January and April 2027 in Haridwar, is expected to draw millions of pilgrims from across India and abroad. Given the anticipated scale of the gathering, the state government has identified river cleanliness, water quality, and uninterrupted flow of the Ganga as critical priorities.
Dhami stressed that adequate preparation in advance would help avoid last-minute pressure on civic systems and ensure that religious activities take place without disrupting the fragile river ecosystem.
Flood Control and Water Supply Proposals
In addition to river conservation measures, the Chief Minister sought approval for projects worth Rs 253 crore aimed at strengthening flood protection infrastructure. These proposals are intended to safeguard vulnerable areas in and around Haridwar, particularly during peak pilgrimage months when both river levels and human activity rise significantly.
Dhami also requested the release of additional funds under the Jal Jeevan Mission to enhance rural drinking water supply. Expanding water access remains a key concern for the state, especially in regions that face seasonal shortages.
Another major proposal discussed during the meeting involved the expansion of the Iqbalpur canal system along with improvements to the Kankhal and Jagjitpur canals. Officials believe these upgrades would significantly improve irrigation capacity and support agricultural communities in the district.
Irrigation Benefits for Haridwar District
The proposed canal expansion is expected to generate an additional 665 cusecs of water, making irrigation possible for previously unirrigated farmland in the Bhagwanpur and Laksar areas of Haridwar district. Authorities estimate that nearly 13,000 hectares of land could benefit from improved irrigation facilities once the project is completed.
Beyond agriculture, the enhanced canal network is also projected to ease drinking water concerns in several nearby villages, strengthening both rural livelihoods and water security.
State officials view these infrastructure upgrades as long-term investments that extend beyond the Kumbh event, contributing to regional development and environmental sustainability.
Centre’s Financial Support for Kumbh Preparations
During the meeting, Dhami expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the central government for allocating Rs 500 crore toward preparations for Haridwar Kumbh 2027. The financial assistance is expected to strengthen infrastructure, sanitation systems, security arrangements, and facilities for pilgrims.
The Chief Minister noted that coordinated efforts between the state and central governments would help present the 2027 Kumbh as a well-organised and environmentally responsible event. He added that protecting the Ganga while facilitating a safe and orderly gathering remains a shared objective.
With less than two years remaining before the Mahakumbh, administrative planning has begun to gather pace. Officials indicated that timely approvals and fund disbursement will play a decisive role in ensuring that Haridwar is equipped to host one of the largest religious congregations in the world while maintaining ecological safeguards and public convenience.