In a landmark initiative, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department has unified three divergent streams of the Ganga to ensure an uninterrupted and enhanced water flow at the Sangam—the sacred confluence of the Yamuna, Ganga, and the mythical Saraswati rivers. This effort aims to provide an improved spiritual and logistical experience for millions of devotees anticipated to participate in Mahakumbh-2025, scheduled in Prayagraj from January 13 to February 26.
“This initiative resonates with the mythological narrative of Bhagirath, who brought the Ganga to Earth through his austere penance, symbolizing the salvation of his ancestors. Similarly, this project secures a steady and pure flow of Ganga waters at Sangam, where over 400 million pilgrims are expected to take a holy dip,” stated Vijay Anand, Nodal Officer for Mahakumbh.
Over time, the Ganga had deviated into three distinct streams between Shastri Bridge and Sangam Nose, diminishing its sanctity and complicating preparations for the Mahakumbh. This bifurcation reduced the expanse of the fairgrounds and disrupted pilgrimage arrangements.
In response, the Irrigation Department has restored the river’s original flow into a unified, cohesive stream, thereby expanding the bathing area and simplifying logistical arrangements. “This undertaking was complex but essential,” remarked Anand. “It ensures an uninterrupted spiritual experience for pilgrims, enhancing their connection to the sacred waters.”
“With the successful unification, an additional 22 hectares of bathing space has been created,” stated Manish Srivastava, a technical advisor to the project. “This expansion allows thousands of devotees to bathe simultaneously, mitigating congestion and ensuring a seamless experience for all.”
The department utilized three large dredging machines following an extensive survey. However, stabilizing the equipment against the swift Ganga currents and elevated water levels posed significant challenges. The powerful flow often destabilized the dredgers, bending discharge pipes and hindering operations.
Engineers employed innovative solutions such as large anchors, pontoon bridges, and reinforced ropes to secure the machinery. Despite setbacks, including a damaged support pin and another dredger being displaced by the current, the team persisted with determination.
“Restoring the river’s original course was an arduous task, but the team’s relentless efforts overcame every obstacle,” added Srivastava.
Continuous dredging, carried out in three shifts, ultimately succeeded in merging the three streams into one cohesive flow. To prepare the expanded area, over five lakh metric tonnes of sand were strategically placed, ensuring the fairground is well-leveled and accessible to the public.
