Pioneer News Service
Dumka
Preparations for the State Shravani Mela 2026 have entered the final phase, with authorities accelerating work to ensure a safe, well-managed and pilgrim-friendly festival at Baba Basukinath Dham. Departments have been directed to complete all assigned works by July 24, ahead of the annual pilgrimage that draws lakhs of devotees from across the country.
The administration has prioritised healthcare, sanitation, crowd management and public convenience as key focus areas. A strengthened medical response system is being put in place with ambulances, e-rickshaw-based “Toto Ambulances,” transit medical camps equipped with essential facilities and the deployment of 30 stretcher-bearers at strategic locations to assist elderly and ailing pilgrims. Adequate stocks of life-saving medicines will also be maintained throughout the festival.
To facilitate smooth movement, prominent signboards will be installed across the mela area, guiding devotees to the temple, Shivganga tank, medical camps, drinking water points, public utilities and parking areas. Officials have also been asked to conduct trial runs of arrangements before the festival begins to identify and address any operational gaps.
Sanitation and drinking water infrastructure are also being strengthened. Temporary toilets will be installed across the venue, while round-the-clock cleaning operations and an uninterrupted supply of safe drinking water have been planned. Work to upgrade the filtration system at the Shivganga tank is nearing completion, and sanitation personnel will be deployed in large numbers.
Traffic and safety measures include designated parking areas, streamlined traffic movement plans and the proposed deployment of National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams near water bodies and crowded locations. Decorative lighting, electrical safety checks and repairs to public facilities are also underway.
Authorities have also decided to regulate the prices of prasad and other essential items during the mela while warning against encroachments that could obstruct pilgrim movement. The comprehensive preparations are aimed at ensuring a smooth, secure and hassle-free experience for devotees visiting Baba Basukinath Dham during the annual festival.
