Pioneer News Service
DUMKA
With the State Shravani Mela 2026 set to witness the arrival of lakhs of pilgrims, the Dumka district administration has intensified preparations to ensure a safe, smooth and well-managed pilgrimage at Basukinath Dham. Deputy Commissioner Abhijit Sinha and Superintendent of Police Pitambar Singh Kherwar on Tuesday jointly reviewed the arrangements and issued detailed operational guidelines to officials and security personnel.
A comprehensive briefing was held at the Mayurakshi Kala Manch in Basukinath Dham, attended by senior administrative officers, police officials, deputed magistrates and representatives of various departments. The meeting focused on strengthening coordination among departments and ensuring effective implementation of arrangements during the month-long religious event.
Addressing the gathering, Sinha outlined the responsibilities of officials and stressed that crowd management, maintenance of law and order, and disciplined queue management would remain the administration’s top priorities. He reviewed preparations related to security around the temple complex and Shivganga, parking facilities, sanitation, lighting, traffic regulation and other essential public services.
Following the briefing, the DC and SP conducted an extensive field inspection of important locations across the Mela area to assess the readiness of infrastructure and public amenities.
During the inspection of the Tent City, the officials directed the concerned agencies to maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene. They instructed that bedsheets for pilgrims be changed daily and that uninterrupted electricity and drinking water supply be ensured throughout the festival period.
Inspecting drinking water facilities, the DC ordered officials to ensure there is no disruption in water supply. He said any technical fault must be attended to immediately so that pilgrims do not face inconvenience. He reiterated that providing devotees with a hassle-free, comfortable and spiritually fulfilling experience is the administration’s foremost objective.
Superintendent of Police Pitambar Singh Kherwar instructed police officers and security personnel to maintain heightened vigilance at all sensitive and high-footfall locations. He also emphasised proactive traffic management to prevent congestion and directed officials to remain alert round the clock to respond swiftly to any emergency.
