Haridwar, Nov. 13 -- Mela administration in Haridwar is developing a 16-km network of well-equipped Ganga ghats ahead of 2027 Ardh Kumbh fair to decongest core Brahmakund Har-ki-Pauri area, officials said on Thursday. Drawing from crowd management lessons during the 2021 Mahakumbh and the 2016 Ardh Kumbh, the initiative aims to offer devotees convenient alternatives for taking holy dip across the main Ganga river, the Ganga canal, and the canal escape channel, easing pressure on the sanctum sanctorum during peak bathing days, officials added. As part of the infrastructure push, 10 new permanent ghats spanning 3 km are being constructed specifically for the 2027 congregation, while an existing 13-km stretch is being renovated and upgraded. "Devotees will have a seamless experience across the entire 16-km stretch, as all basic amenities are being provided at both new and renovated ghats. This will significantly ease pilgrim pressure at Brahmakund Har-ki-Pauri, ensuring safety and convenience throughout the mega fair," said mela officer Sonika. The move has been welcomed by key stakeholders, including Ganga Sabha, Akhada Parishad and teerth purohits (priests). "Millions of devotees are expected to arrive... Since Har-ki-Pauri largely remains reserved for Akhada seers during Shahi Snan (royal bath), these new ghats will provide vital alternatives for general pilgrims," said Dr Sunil Kumar Batra, founder of Haridwar Nagrik Manch....