Haridwar to deploy 1,000 sanitation workers and over 300 toilets for Kanwad Mela

PIONEER NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun

The Municipal Corporation of Haridwar (MCH) will deploy 1,000 additional sanitation workers and install over 300 toilets across Kanwad Yatra routes this year to prevent open defecation and ensure that no waste enters the Ganga river. With the Yatra set to begin on July 11, municipal commissioner Nandan Kumar said that sanitation workers and MCH teams will also spread awareness among pilgrims to maintain hygiene and protect the river from contamination.

He informed that the MCH is constructing 60 temporary toilets each at Bairagi Camp, Pantdweep and Pul Jatwada. The construction is currently in progress and is expected to be completed within three days. In addition to these, 120 fibre-reinforced plastic (FRP) toilets have been rented and are being placed across different locations based on the need in specific areas.

The commissioner said that to manage the expected surge in pilgrims, 200 sanitation workers have already been deployed at major ghats since July 2. The entire Kanwad area has been divided into seven zones to streamline operations. Separate duty charts are being prepared for each zone to clearly assign responsibilities. Kumar said that three additional sanitation inspectors have been made available to the MCH by the Urban Development department. They will join the ground operations starting July 10.

The tender process for sanitation supplies and rental vehicles has already been completed to ensure timely availability of all necessary equipment and logistics. The commissioner also informed that drone cameras are being used to monitor cleanliness levels at the ghats and along the Kanwad paths for the first time. This is aimed at improving oversight and ensuring that real-time issues are addressed promptly.

The MCH teams have also completed the tender process for allocating shops in the fair area. The process of setting up shops is currently underway, he added.