Admin sets July 25 deadline for Shravani Mela preparations
High-tech security, health network and pilgrim facilities in focus
Shatrughn Prasad
Deoghar
With less than a fortnight left before the start of the Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026, the Deoghar district administration has set July 25 as the deadline for completing all preparations, while announcing a series of measures to strengthen pilgrim safety, crowd management and public amenities during the month-long religious event.
Chairing a high-level review meeting at the Collectorate auditorium on Saturday, Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Kumar Bhuvania directed all departments to complete pending works within the stipulated timeline, making it clear that there would be no compromise on the convenience or safety of devotees visiting Baba Baidyanath Dham.
Among the key decisions taken at the meeting was the deployment of a 24×7 CCTV surveillance network across the mela area, supported by a fully equipped Integrated Mela Control Room using modern technology for crowd management, traffic monitoring and security. The administration also decided to establish 34 upgraded information and assistance centres, a dedicated media centre and 10 maternity rest houses for women pilgrims and children operating round the clock.
To strengthen healthcare services, temporary hospitals, health camps and health control rooms will be set up at multiple locations, while doctors, paramedics, ambulances and life-saving medicines will be kept on standby throughout the mela. The Disaster Management Team will also remain on round-the-clock duty.
The district administration also resolved to improve facilities along the Kanwariya route by ensuring uninterrupted drinking water, adequate toilets, cleanliness, road repairs, encroachment removal, tree pruning, seating arrangements and better walking tracks. Waterproof pandals, robust parking arrangements, improved drainage and enhanced electrical safety measures have also been made mandatory in view of the monsoon season.
To enhance the pilgrims’ experience, six cultural stages, 30 LED screens, a grand exhibition at Shivlok Complex, light-and-sound shows at Shivganga and Jalsar, and laser shows at Tower Chowk and the Baba Temple area will be organised during the fair.
The Deputy Commissioner directed all departments to work in close coordination and ensure that development works, including the new foot-over bridge and beautification projects in the temple precinct, are completed on schedule with high quality before the commencement of the annual pilgrimage.
