Haridwar, Oct. 21 -- The Upper Ganga Canal, stretching from Haridwar to Kanpur, has been closed for a 20-day annual shutdown to undergo routine desilting, structural repairs, and fast-tracked infrastructure preparations ahead of the upcoming Kumbh Mela, officials announced.

The temporary closure, managed by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, has resulted in a sharp drop in water levels across several prominent ghats in Haridwar, including Har Ki Pauri. The depleted flow has caused inconvenience to thousands of visiting pilgrims, leaving many unable to take traditional holy dips.

Executive Engineer of the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department, Vikas Tyagi, confirmed the ongoing exercise and assured that arrangements had been made for...