By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
On the lines of the famous Har-Ki-Pauri, Haripur-Kalsi in Uttarakhand’s Dehradun district has got a facelift with the redevelopment of a bathing ghat on the bank of the river Yamuna. A huge idol of goddess Yamuna has also been installed.
The ghat came alive with faith, culture and development on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday as the Yamuna riverbank was illuminated with 2,100 diyas.
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami joined saints, Vikasnagar BJP MLA Munna Singh Chauhan and devotees in performing the Yamuna Aarti. On the occasion, the CM also unveiled the newly installed idol of Goddess Yamuna and inaugurated Hari Ghat. Dhami also dedicated a bathing ghat developed by the Mussoorie-Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) at a cost of Rs 7.52 crore.
The foundation stone of the Maa Yamuna Krishna Temple was also laid during the programme.
The bathing ghat, developed on the right bank of the Yamuna, is 170 metres long and 15 metres wide. The project has focused on improving facilities and safety for devotees besides beautifying the riverfront.
Located around 45 km from Dehradun on National Highway-507 towards Chakrata, Haripur-Kalsi is regarded as an important gateway to the Jaunsar-Bawar region. The area also has religious and historical significance, with sites such as the Ashoka Rock Edict, Devsthal Temple and Ashwamedha Yagya site located nearby.
Two 170-metre-long and five-metre-high RCC safety walls have been constructed along the river-facing side of the ghat. Two platforms spread over around 2,000 square metres have been developed using RCC and red sandstone. Steps have been built to provide safe access to the river, while four RCC platforms have been created for performing the Yamuna Aarti.
Solar lights and safety arrangements
The MDDA has installed 25 solar lights to improve illumination at night. Planters have been added as part of the beautification work, while 12 benches with sheds have been provided for visitors.
Renovated toilets and changing rooms are available separately for male and female devotees.
For safety along the riverbank, around 300 metres of stainless-steel railings and SS chains have been put in place. The arrangements are expected to provide a safer and more organised environment during bathing and religious events.
Daily Yamuna Aarti planned
MDDA Vice-Chairman Banshidhar Tiwari said the project had given the Yamuna riverfront at Haripur-Kalsi a more organised look. The availability of bathing, Aarti, seating, drinking water, lighting and safety facilities at one place would benefit both devotees and tourists, he said.
When contacted, Munna Singh Chauhan said the improved infrastructure could also contribute to the expansion of local tourism and cultural activities in the area, which has considerable religious and historical importance.