Dehradun/Haridwar, April 3 -- Chief secretary Anand Bardhan on Thursday conducted an on-site inspection of ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects in Haridwar to review preparations for the Ardh Kumbh Mela 2027 and directed officials to ensure that all works are completed within stipulated timelines with strict adherence to quality standards. During his visit to the Kumbh zone, Chief secretary Bardhan inspected the construction of ghats from Shaheed Bhagat Singh Ghat on the left bank of the Upper Ganga Canal up to Singhdwar, as well as the Bairagi Camp Ghat. He directed officials to ensure that the ghats are constructed according to modern standards while prioritising convenience, safety and smooth movement of devotees. He also instructed officials to provide ramps and other accessibility facilities for elderly pilgrims and persons with disabilities, besides ensuring adequate changing rooms and restroom facilities. Bardhan further directed that "Green Ghats" be developed for the Kumbh, with green belts, flowering plants and ornamental landscaping along the riverbanks. Later, the chief secretary inspected the construction of a 60-metre pre-stressed RCC bridge over the Pathri Rao River on the Jwalapur-Eidgah-PAC-Shivalik Nagar road and instructed the executing agency to ensure there is no compromise in construction quality while completing the project within the prescribed timeframe. He also reviewed widening and strengthening works on the Bahadrabad-SIDCUL route, extending from Bhaichara Dhaba through BHEL Sector-6 and Shivalik Nagar Chowk to the BHEL Central Road. The chief secretary said the route is crucial for smooth traffic movement during the Kumbh and directed officials to complete the project on priority. Inspecting another 90-metre span bridge being constructed downstream of the old Ganges canal siphon across the Pathri Rao River on the Dhanouri-SIDCUL link road, Bardhan instructed officials to accelerate construction and complete riverbed works before the monsoon to avoid disruption due to rising water levels. The chief secretary also reviewed the progress of the Haridwar Bypass Ring Road Project and directed NHAI officials to expedite its construction. He asked them to set weekly targets and conduct regular reviews to ensure the project is completed before the Kumbh begins. In addition, he directed that the ongoing flyover construction on the Delhi-Haridwar Highway be completed on priority and asked that daily progress reports be submitted to the Haridwar district magistrate. He also inspected the 1,500-kilolitre overhead water tank at Bairagi Camp and reviewed related works, directing officials to ensure timely completion of all water supply projects to provide uninterrupted and safe drinking water during the Kumbh....