Climate

Summers in Haridwar are mild with temperatures ranging between 15 DEGREES TO 39.8 DEGREES CENTIGRADE. Winters are very chilly in Haridwar and the temperature during this period might plummet to a minimum of 6 DEGREES CENTIGRADE. The ideal time to make a trip to Haridwar is between the months of SEPTEMBER AND JUNE.

Temperatures:

• Summers: 25 °C – 44 °C
• Winters: −1 °C – 24 °C

Commercial aspects & Industrial activities

Haridwar is rapidly developing as an important industrial township of Uttarakhand since the state government agency, SIDCUL established in 2002, set up the Integrated Industrial Estate in a district attracting many important industrial houses which are setting up manufacturing facilities in the area.

Haridwar has a thriving industrial area situated at the bypass road, comprising mainly ancillary units to PSU, BHEL, which was established here in 1964 and currently employs over 8000 people.

Agriculture is the mainstay of this well irrigated district. Industrialisation had commenced with the establishment of Central Government owned Public Sector plants (PSUs) of [Indian Drugs and Pharmaceuticals Ltd (IDPL)] and Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, in pre-Uttarakhand 1960s period. The State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand (SIDCUL) has now established one new ‘industrial development zone’ in the district, adjacent to Shivalik Nagar near Haridwar, to encourage industrialisation; with industrial giants like Hindustan Lever, Dabur, Mahendra & Mahendra and Havells having moved in, it is making the desired progress. Not insignificant to the district’s economy is the contribution of Hindu pilgrims who visit the holy places and attend the religious fairs in large numbers.

Educational activities

Haridwar district has several academic institutions, covering studies in sciences, engineering, technology and advanced research in the town of Roorkee.

Education in Sanskrit based classics and Hindu religious/cultural disciplines is an age-old tradition in the district, mainly centred in and around Haridwar city. Some of the important institutions of this genre are:

• Gurukul Kangri, situated in Kankhal, on the banks of river Ganges, on Haridwar-Jwalapur bypass road. It is one of the oldest Universities of India. It was founded in 1902, to study the unique Gurukul based education system. Here Ancient Vedic and Sanskrit literature, Ayurveda, Philosophy are part of the curriculum besides modern sciences and journalism. Its ‘Archaeological Museum’, established in 1945, houses some rare statues, coins, paintings, manuscripts and artefacts, starting from Harappa culture (c.2500–1500 BC). Mahatma Gandhi visited the campus three times, and stayed in its sprawling and serene campus for extended periods of time, most notably during the 1915 Kumbh mela.
• Vishwa Sanskrit Mahavidyalaya, Haridwar. A Sanskrit University, set up by Govt. of Uttarakhand, it is the only university in the world dedicated to studies of ancient Sanskrit scriptures and books. Its curriculum also covers ancient Hindu rituals, traditions and culture, and it boasts of a building inspired by ancient Hindu architecture style.
• State Ayuevedic College & Hospital Rishikul, Haridwar, is the oldest Ayurvedic Medical College of India. It is situated near Devpura in Haridwar on the banks of Upper Ganges Canal. It is also providing postgraduate education for Ayurveda. Soon it will be transformed as the first Ayuevedic University of Uttarakhand.
• Govt Ayurvedic College & Hospital, Gurukul Kangri of HNB Garhwal University is also one of the oldest Ayurvedic medical colleges in India. It is situated in Gurukul Kangri University Campus.
• Dev Sanskriti Vishwavidyalaya: established in 2002 by the act of the Uttarnchal Government is a fully residential university. Run by Sri Vedmata Gayatri Trust, Shantikunj Haridwar (headquarters of All World Gayatri Pariwar), it provides various degree, diploma and certificate courses in areas like Yogic Science, Alternative Therapy, Indian Culture, Tourism, Rural Management, Theology (Dharm Vigyan), Spiritual Counseling etc. It also provides distance learning courses.

Modern Ashrams are also being established in the district for imparting training in yoga and meditation to people coming now from near and far, including foreign countries of the West :

• Shantikunj Ashram provides a 9 days camp and one month / three months courses covering yoga, meditation, art of living, scientific spirituality etc.

Cultural and Religious activities

Haridwar culture is an enchanting blend of tradition, history and religion. Considered as one of the seven holy seats of Hinduism, Haridwar can be proud of its cultural heritage. The old havelis, temples and mansions carry the rich Hindu architectural brilliance. Set amidst beautiful mountainous landscapes, Haridwar is one of the greatest centers of classical music and art forms. As per religious beliefs, god has left his footprints in this holy city and the folk songs of the land still chant that incident. Festivals and fairs are integrally associated with culture of Haridwar. Apart from the usual Hindu festivals, Kavad Mela, Somvati Amavasya Mela and Kumbh Mela are celebrated with great fervor and respect. 

Haridwar is considered as one of the holiest cities for Hindus. It serves an entry point to the Char Dham, the four key pilgrimage centres in Uttarakhand, namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Yamunotri and Gangotri. Its religious heritage is reflected in the beautiful architecture of its temples. The city is famous for its religious festivals and fairs, which attract millions of pilgrims every year. There are many yoga ashrams in the city, who aim to impart spiritual education and physical fitness to the people.

Socio –Economic status

Approximately 29% of Varanasi’s population is employed. Approximately 40% of those employed work in manufacturing, 26% work in trade and commerce, 19% work in other services, 8% work in transport and communication, 4% work in agriculture, 2% work in construction, and 2% are marginal workers (working for less than half of the year).

Among manufacturing workers, 51% work in spinning and weaving, 15% work in metal, 6% work in printing and publishing, 5% work in electrical machinery, and the rest work in a wide variety of industry sectors. Varanasi’s manufacturing industry is not well developed

Water supply and sewerage system

Sewerage works in Haridwar:

Sewerage works are done in phases in the City.Initial sewerage works was started in 1938 in British period and by 1985, 5 No. SPSs were installed with befitting sewerage network of 77 Kms.

After 1985, the following 4 STPs were constructed for treatment of domestic sewerage;