Haridwar, Oct. 21 -- The Ganga Canal will remain closed until November 8 for annual maintenance, desilting and ghat redevelopment, affecting irrigation water supply across 15 districts of Uttar Pradesh, Haridwar in Uttarakhand and seven districts in the National Capital Region (NCR).

The closure will also affect drinking water supply in parts of the NCR, as water from the canal is channelled to the Pratap Vihar treatment plant in Ghaziabad. Meanwhile, the Ganga Sabha has urged authorities to maintain minimum water flow at Brahmakund at Har Ki Pauri in Haridwar to allow pilgrims and locals to perform daily rituals.

"The closure of the Ganga Canal is a routine annual procedure necessary for maintenance and desilting. Following approvals f...