Haridwar, Nov. 21 -- The preparations for the upcoming Ardh Kumbh Mela, to be held in 2027, have picked up speed across Haridwar, officials in the know said on Thursday. "From new Ganga ghats to improved roads, various permanent projects are underway within the Ardh Kumbh budget," said Ardh Kumbh Mela officer Sonika, who goes by her first name. Construction work is underway on a total of 11 projects worth Rs.200 crore, said Sonika, adding that key projects included the development of three new ghats along the Ganges- Bharat Ghat and Laxman Ghat, each 810 metres long, and Tulsi Ghat, stretching 770 metres long. Officials said that permanent projects which would continue to benefit the population during future festive cycles, such as the annual Kanwar Yatra, were being undertaken on a priority basis. "The quality of the projects is being strictly monitored, and no laxity in their completion will be tolerated," said officer Sonika. According to the Ardh Kumbh Mela officer, these projects are expected to bolster crowd management and improve civic amenities during the 2027 fair, which is projected to draw millions of pilgrims from across India....