PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/ Haridwar
With the Kanwad Mela set to start at the end of this month, the district administration, along with the Municipal Corporation of Haridwar (MCH), has begun extensive preparations, with special emphasis on cleanliness, waste management and the problem of open defecation.
The administration estimates a massive five crore devotee footfalls this year. So,
maintaining cleanliness will be a major challenge for the district administration and the MCH. During the Kanwad Mela, open defecation is a frequent problem in Har Ki Pauri, Neeldhara, Rodibelwala, Pantdweep, Bairagi Camp and surrounding areas. Although mobile toilets installed by the Municipal Corporation in previous years have provided significant relief, the problem has not been completely eradicated.
Municipal commissioner Nandan Kumar stated that over 350 mobile toilets would be installed during the fair this time as well. “To ensure uninterrupted water supply to all toilets, additional water tankers and suction vehicles are being arranged in coordination with the Jal Sansthan and Peyjal Nigam. Route mapping for the suction vehicles is also being prepared so that regular toilet cleaning and timely sewage disposal can be ensured amid the crowds,” he said.
He further stated that strict action would be taken against those who charge more than the prescribed fee for public toilets. “If the complaint is found to be true, the operator’s allotment can also be cancelled,” he added.
Sharing more details, he said that
a special cleaning campaign would be carried out across the city during the Kanwad Yatra. “Additional sanitation workers will be deployed along major roads, ghats, parking lots and camping areas. Arrangements are also being made for garbage collection, regular sanitisation and prompt disposal of waste to provide a clean and safe environment for pilgrims,” Kumar said.
