Thousands of pilgrims visiting Haridwar’s famous Har Ki Pauri are facing difficulties taking a holy dip in the Ganga after a sharp decline in water levels during the annual closure of the Upper Ganga Canal. The reduced flow has affected prominent bathing spots in Haridwar, including Har Ki Pauri, one of the most important pilgrimage sites for devotees of the Ganga. For many visitors, the situation has come as an unexpected setback. Some have resorted to using mugs and lotas to collect water while standing on the ghat steps.
Why has the water level dropped at Har Ki Pauri?
The decline in water levels is linked to the annual maintenance of the Upper Ganga Canal, which is managed by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department. The Upper Ganga Canal runs from Haridwar towards Kanpur. The 20-day annual closure is intended to facilitate routine desilting, repairs to canal structures and maintenance of embankments.
Officials are also accelerating infrastructure work ahead of the upcoming Kumbh Mela, when Haridwar is expected to receive large numbers of pilgrims.
Vikas Tyagi, executive engineer of the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, confirmed to ANI that the maintenance exercise was underway and said arrangements had been made for visiting devotees. Normal water discharge across the canal network is scheduled to resume after the maintenance period ends. The water supply is expected to return to normal around Dhanteras.
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Pilgrims disappointed but continue with religious rituals
The low water level has not stopped devotees from visiting Har Ki Pauri, although many have had to adjust their plans. For some, even a limited opportunity to offer prayers at the river remains an important part of the pilgrimage. Sanjay, a devotee who visited Haridwar, told ANI that he was happy to have the darshan of Mother Ganga but disappointed that he could not take a proper dip.
"We were very happy to have darshan of Mother Ganga, though the lack of water made taking a dip difficult. We were unaware of the closure beforehand; residents informed us that water supply would fully resume around Dhanteras. Although we couldn't take a proper dip, we bathed using water containers and felt blessed to be here," Sanjay said.
Other visitors have managed to complete their religious ceremonies despite the reduced flow.
Garima, who travelled to Haridwar for her child's mundan, or head-shaving ceremony, said she was initially disappointed when she saw the condition of the ghat. However, she was able to sit in the water and carry out the ritual.
"When we first saw that the main flow was closed, we felt a bit disappointed as it was our first visit. However, I managed to sit in the water and perform the ritual comfortably. We completed the ceremonies smoothly, and despite the lower water level, we feel deeply fulfilled," she said.
(Inputs from ANI)