VIP Darshan Banned, Focus on Safety, Technology and Better Facilities for Devotees

Deoghar. A high-level review meeting regarding preparations for the State Shravani Mela 2026 was held at the Circuit House auditorium on Sunday under the chairmanship of Minister Sudivya Kumar. The meeting was attended by DC Shashi Prakash Singh, Dumka DC Abhijeet Sinha, Santhal Pargana Commissioner Sanjay Kumar, SP Praveen Pushkar and senior officials of various departments. Detailed discussions were held on departmental responsibilities, infrastructure, safety measures and use of modern technology for the smooth conduct of the mela.
The Minister informed that the Shravani Mela will commence from July 31 and directed all departments to complete their preparations within the stipulated time. He emphasized that devotees should experience smooth and safe jal arpan and return with a positive impression from Baba Nagari. He also clearly stated that out-of-turn darshan for VIP and VVIP categories will remain completely prohibited during the mela to ensure equality and better crowd management.During the meeting, detailed reviews were conducted on power supply, drinking water, sanitation, health services, road construction, municipal arrangements and policing. Instructions were issued to ensure uninterrupted 24-hour electricity supply in the mela area along with proper maintenance of toilets, bathing facilities, drinking water points, waste disposal systems and cleanliness. Adequate street lighting, decorative arrangements and backup power systems were also directed to be ensured.
Special focus was laid on traffic management. The Minister instructed officials to ensure proper route planning, adequate parking facilities and designated halt points for vehicles. Directions were also given to shift electric poles between Dumma border and Khijuria Kanwariya path before the mela and to expedite the completion of the Deoghar-Basukinath four-lane road project.
Emphasizing the use of modern technology, the Minister said that this year the mela will witness deployment of facial recognition systems, AI-based integrated control rooms, traffic management systems, digital pavilions and location-based attendance systems. The QR code-based feedback system will also be further developed to enable devotees to directly report their issues to the administration for quick resolution.
Considering the summer conditions, directions were issued to enhance cooling arrangements, mist systems and healthcare facilities in the mela area. The Minister also stressed the need to focus on permanent structures instead of temporary arrangements for long-term improvement.
The meeting also highlighted the importance of public awareness. The Minister warned against the dangerous practice of overcrowding on tractor-trolleys, which often leads to serious accidents. Special police teams will be deployed at entry points and major routes to monitor overloaded and illegally modified vehicles. Devotees have been advised to use only authorized transport such as buses and trains.
Extensive security arrangements were also discussed. Temporary police outposts, traffic units, health centers, help desks, maternity centers and power stations will be set up across the mela area. Detailed planning has been done for crowd control, law and order and crime prevention to ensure a safe environment for all devotees.
At the end of the meeting, DC Shashi Prakash Singh presented mementos to Minister Sudivya Kumar and other dignitaries. Public representatives, municipal officials, engineers and administrative officers were also present on the occasion.