There will be adequate water in the Ganga river for devotees planning to take a dip in the holy river on the occasion of Makar Sankranti at Devprayag, Haridwar and Allahabad. In view of the festive occasion, the Tehri dam administration is releasing an additional 1,000 cusecs of water from the dam’s reservoir. At the same time, considering the absence of rainfall, the dam administration has prepared a plan for the special occasions during the ongoing Ardh Kumbh in Haridwar.
It is worth mentioning that as per to the long-held traditions of India, people take a ceremonial dip in the Ganga river at Devprayag, Haridwar, Allahabad, Ganga Sagar and other pilgrimage centres on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. It is believed that bathing in the Ganga on the occasion of Makar Sankranti ensures salvation for the person. However, due to the absence of proper rainfall this year, the resulting drop in the water level of various rivers has given a substantial cause for concern to the officials concerned. On Wednesday, only about 56.5 cumecs water was recorded in the Bhagirathi and Bhilangana rivers whereas the level of water in the dam reservoir was recorded at 796.8 Rl metre. The level of water in this reservoir on the occasion of Makar Sankranti last year was recorded at 807 Rl metre. Presently, about 225 cumecs water is being released from the reservoir. Considering the importance of Ardh Kumbh and Makar Sankranti and the religious sentiments of people linked to such occasions and the Ganga, the dam administration has made all arrangements for releasing additional quantities of water from the dam reservoir.
Talking to The Pioneer, the THDC India limited general manager (OMS) Hl Arora informed that in view of the importance of the occasion, an additional 1,000 cusecs water is being released from the Tehri dam reservoir. This will ensure that there is enough water in the Ganga for the devotees on the occasion. After the occasion of Makar Sankranti, water will be released from here as per the requirement during the Ardh Kumbh Mela and important snans, added Arora.
Meanwhile, Bharat Mata Mandir priest Swami lalitanand Giri said that devotees should not wipe their bodies after bathing in the Ganga on the occasion of Makar Sankranti. Charity undertaken for appeasing Surya (Sun God) on the occasion of Makar Sankranti is also considered to be very good, he added.