Haridwar, March 23 -- A rainy spell over the past few days has stalled key Ardh Kumbh projects in Haridwar, particularly open-area works such as new Ganga ghats, bridges, sewer lines and road construction, officials said on Sunday. Construction of new Ganga ghats has suffered the most, officials added, with work at several sites halted by rising water levels and muddy riverbanks. Site engineers noted impacts at the Amrapur and Rishikul stretches, where two long ghats are under development. Laying sewer lines in the northern cluster, dominated by ashrams and temples, has also been suspended temporarily. "Foundation work at the Amrapur-Rishikul-Prem Nagar ashram stretch was severely affected due to the rains and rise in the Ganga's water level. Work resumed from Sunday, but the muddy and wet ground is still posing challenges for full-scale construction," said a site official at the Rishikul ghat project. Mahanagar Trader Union president Sunil Sethi urged that construction and excavation minimise inconvenience to residents and pilgrims while ensuring durability. "Quality should not be compromised, and disruptions to people must be kept to a minimum," he said. Mela officer Sonika Singh said all projects prioritise quality and timely completion. "The impact of rains is being factored in to ensure work isn't delayed in the long run," she said. CM Pushkar Singh Dhami recently directed officials to ensure Ardh Kumbh projects are completed by November, factoring in the upcoming Char Dham Yatra, Kanwar Yatra and monsoon season....