Haridwar – The Uttarakhand Jal Nigam has begun preparations to ensure an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water during the upcoming Ardh Kumbh, with infrastructure works worth approximately ₹8.5 crore planned across the fair area.
Temporary water supply systems will be developed in major sectors, including Bairagi Camp, Gauri Shankar Dweep, Mayapur, Mansa Devi and Har Ki Pauri. The project includes laying temporary pipelines, installing stand posts, PVC storage tanks, water connections and water coolers to meet the expected surge in demand during the religious gathering.
Authorities expect crores of pilgrims, saints and tourists to visit Haridwar during the Ardh Kumbh, making the provision of clean drinking water one of the key challenges. Since permanent water infrastructure alone cannot cater to such a large gathering, temporary arrangements are being put in place to ensure uninterrupted supply at bathing ghats, camps and major routes.
Under the plan, works worth ₹3.67 crore will be executed in the Bairagi Camp sector, while projects worth ₹1.12 crore will cover the Mayapur, Mansa Devi and Har Ki Pauri sectors. Another ₹3.68 crore will be spent on strengthening water infrastructure in the Gauri Shankar area.
More than 10,000 metres of pipelines of different diameters will be laid across the fair zone. Thousands of stand posts and PVC tanks will also be installed to improve water accessibility for pilgrims.
The department will additionally install water coolers and fire hydrants across the mela area to strengthen both public convenience and emergency preparedness. Dedicated maintenance teams comprising fitters, junior fitters and support staff will remain deployed in three shifts throughout the event to ensure uninterrupted operation of the water supply network. Officials said the temporary infrastructure will be dismantled after the conclusion of the Ardh Kumbh.
Apart from facilitating safe drinking water, the strengthened water supply network is also expected to improve crowd management and emergency response capabilities, ensuring pilgrims can perform religious rituals and Ganga bathing without facing water shortages.
