Jharkhand, Bihar hold coordination meet ahead of Shravani Mela
Shatrughn Prasad
Deoghar
Ahead of the Rajkiya Shravani Mela 2026, senior officials from Jharkhand and Bihar held an inter-state coordination meeting in Deoghar on Saturday to review security, crowd management and logistical arrangements for the annual pilgrimage.
The meeting, chaired by Santhal Pargana Commissioner Sanjay Kumar at the Deoghar Parisadan auditorium, was attended by commissioners, deputy commissioners, police superintendents and senior officials from both states. Deoghar Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Kumar Bhuvania welcomed the participants.
Addressing the meeting, Commissioner Sanjay Kumar stressed the need for seamless coordination among all districts along the Kanwariya route from Sultanganj to Deoghar to ensure a safe and hassle-free pilgrimage. He said extensive arrangements have been made at holding points across the mela area, including electricity, fans, toilets, drinking water, mobile charging facilities, health services and bathing areas.
To strengthen coordination, officials decided to make greater use of information technology this year. WhatsApp groups and Artificial Intelligence-based tools will be used for real-time information sharing among officers of Jharkhand and Bihar, particularly in Bhagalpur, Banka, Jamui and Munger districts.
Special emphasis was placed on the safety of children and elderly devotees. Authorities will launch an awareness campaign urging them to carry the contact details of family members to facilitate quick reunions if they get separated.
The meeting also decided that devotees would not be allowed to travel on the roofs of vehicles entering from Bihar, while the entry of double-decker vehicles during the mela has been completely banned. Officials also reiterated that no VIP darshan or puja facility would be provided during the fair.
District administrations of Deoghar, Dumka, Godda, Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger and Jamui presented updates on preparations. The meeting concluded with a commitment to maintain round-the-clock coordination to ensure the safe and smooth conduct of Shravani Mela 2026.
