AI-based monitoring planned for Shravani Mela 2026 in Deoghar
Shatrughn Prasad, Deoghar
Preparations for the Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026 gathered pace with a high-level review meeting chaired by Jharkhand Minister Sudivya Kumar in Deoghar on Monday. The annual pilgrimage is scheduled to begin on July 31.
Reviewing department-wise arrangements, the minister directed officials to complete all assigned works on time and ensure seamless coordination to provide a safe and hassle-free Jal Arpan experience for devotees visiting Baba Baidyanath Dham. Deputy Commissioners of Deoghar and Dumka presented reports on infrastructure development and preparedness.
A major decision taken during the meeting was a complete ban on out-of-turn VIP and VVIP darshan during the mela to ensure equal access to worship and avoid inconvenience to ordinary pilgrims.
The minister instructed departments to focus on uninterrupted power supply, roads, sanitation, drinking water, healthcare, traffic regulation and security. He also asked officials to complete the Deoghar–Basukinath four-lane road project before the mela begins.
To improve pilgrim services, authorities were directed to establish police and traffic outposts, health centres, help desks, tourism centres and mother-and-child care facilities. Arrangements for Tent City accommodation, toilets, bathing ghats, drinking water points, waste management and round-the-clock cleanliness were also reviewed.
Highlighting the role of technology, Sudivya Kumar called for extensive use of AI-based monitoring and crowd-management systems. These include an AI-powered Integrated Mela Control Room, AI chatbot services, AI-driven traffic management, face-recognition technology, Aadhaar counters, location-based attendance monitoring and a digital pavilion. He also stressed strengthening the QR code-based feedback system for real-time grievance redressal.
To provide relief from heat, officials were instructed to increase mist cooling systems and “Indra Varsha” water-sprinkling arrangements across the mela area.
Expressing concern over accidents involving overloaded tractor-trolleys, the minister announced a complete ban on double-decker tractor-trolleys during the pilgrimage. Special police teams will enforce the ban at district entry points, while devotees have been urged to use authorised public transport.
The meeting was attended by MLAs, senior officials, police officers and representatives of various departments involved in mela preparations.
