PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haridwar
The Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA) is all set to take over the operation of Namami Gange Ghat located near Chandi Ghat from Monday. From that day onwards, it will be HRDA’s responsibility for the maintenance and repair of the ghat. Previously, the construction and maintenance of the ghat was with a company which transferred it to HRDA after the completion of the stipulated period.
The general manager of the construction company, D K Gupta stated that the company had completed the construction of this ghat about seven years ago.
Notably, the ghat was inaugurated on February 21, 2019 by the Union River Development Minister Nitin Gadkari.
“Since then, we kept maintaining and repairing the ghat. Now, after completing all the formalities, the ghat was handed over to HRDA,” Gupta added.
However, HRDA faces several challenges. The railings are broken at several places along the ghat while silt accumulation and a lack of sanitation remain serious problems. Plus, many areas are in urgent need of repair.
The importance of the Namami Gange Ghat has increased further in view of the upcoming Kumbh Mela. Therefore, improving cleanliness, security, and basic amenities will prove to be a major challenge for HRDA.
Acknowledging the challenges, the secretary, HRDA, Manish Singh said that cleaning work has begun at the ghat. “We will leave no stone unturned to put all arrangements in place. Work on other facilities, including electricity, is also progressing rapidly. We are committed to improve the ghat further and provide better facilities to devotees,” he declared.
