Dehradun, Sept. 4 -- Chief minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Wednesday directed officials to complete all permanent works related to 2027 Kumbh Mela by October next year, underlining that the mega religious gathering is a top priority for the state. Chairing a high-level meeting at the secretariat in Dehradun, Dhami said timely execution of projects, inter-departmental coordination and strict adherence to the master plan were critical for organising a "grand and divine" Kumbh. "All permanent works should be completed by October 2026. Departments must classify the projects according to priority and move forward in a coordinated way," Dhami told officials. He emphasised the preparations should not only address the immediate requirement of the mela but also leave behind lasting infrastructure for Haridwar. He directed that the ongoing master plan for the mela cover all essential facilities including ghats, routes, parking zones and campsites. "Every sector and route must be clearly marked so that necessary land acquisition can be done in advance and temporary use of adjoining areas ensured," he said. To ease pressure on existing facilities, he ordered construction of new ghats, expansion of Kangra Ghat and timely repair of existing riverfronts. He said strict action against encroachments on government land and roads should be ensured to guarantee smooth conduct of the fair. Dhami also reviewed key infrastructure projects linked to the Kumbh and asked the Urban Infrastructure Development Board (UIDB) to fast-track works under the Haridwar Ganga Corridor. He also said the Bahadrabad-Shyampur bypass, which is under construction, should be completed at the earliest as it would play a crucial role in managing vehicular traffic. Dhami said a dedicated master plan is also being prepared for setting up tent cities in Shyampur, Gaindikhata and Chandighat areas. "These would help accommodate lakhs of visiting devotees. Traffic and parking arrangements across the mela zone, including diversion plans, should be finalised well in advance", he said. On sanitation, Dhami insisted on adopting a "zero waste" approach for the Mela. Adequate arrangements for solid waste management, dustbins, recycling systems, mobile toilets and pink toilets for women devotees should be made, he said. "Changing rooms, 24-hour cleaning drives on ghats and the Ganga banks, and proper seating for devotees at Har Ki Pauri during evening aarti should be ensured," the CM said....