Admin prioritises devotee safety, comfort during Shravani Mela

Shatrughn Prasad

Deoghar

Ahead of the Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026, the Deoghar district administration has stepped up preparations with a strong focus on ensuring the safety, comfort and convenience of lakhs of devotees expected to participate in the annual pilgrimage.

Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Kumar Bhuvania conducted an extensive inspection of the mela area and Kanwaria route, visiting key locations including the ISBT, Kothia Tent City, Sarsa, Bhaluwa, Paritran and Dumma Border. He reviewed ongoing arrangements and directed officials to prioritise pilgrim welfare in all preparations.

At the Kothia Tent City, being developed to accommodate devotees, the DC stressed the importance of hygiene, ventilation, fire safety, security and safe electrical infrastructure. He instructed officials to maintain proper spacing between tents and sanitation facilities and ensure uninterrupted power supply.

To improve convenience for pilgrims, the administration is strengthening parking facilities at Paritran, Bhaluwa and Sarsa with proper barricading and separate toilets and bathing facilities for men and women. Health camps, public address systems and information centres will also be set up across the mela area.

During a foot inspection of the Kanwaria Path from Dumma Border, Bhuvania directed officials to lay fine sand along the entire route to make walking easier for barefoot pilgrims. He also ordered the removal of encroachments, proper maintenance of drinking water points, safe overhead electric wiring and enhanced cleanliness around hand pumps and public facilities.

The administration is also establishing health centres, police outposts, assistance kiosks, toilets, bathing facilities and other essential services along the pilgrimage route. Emphasising cleanliness, the DC directed officials to ensure round-the-clock sanitation across the mela area and prevent waterlogging on pathways.

Senior district officials from various departments accompanied the Deputy Commissioner during the inspection.