Bhagalpur admin intensifies Shravani Mela preparations

Kumar RajeshBhagalpur: The district administrations of Bhagalpur and Banka have intensified preparations at Sultanganj and along the kanwariya route to Deoghar (Jharkhand) to ensure a smooth pilgrimage during the upcoming Shravani Mela.

The month-long fair will be held from July 30 to Aug 28 and was expected to draw around 50 to 55 lakh devotees. Devotees collect holy water from the Ganga at Sultanganj and undertake a nearly 105-km barefoot trek to the Lord Shiva temple in Deoghar.The district officials are also reviewing arrangements for safe and smooth movement of pilgrims in view of restricted traffic on Vikramshila Setu after a portion of its RCC section collapsed.

Plans are being worked out to manage the surge through alternative arrangements, including use of a Bailey bridge.A review meeting chaired by Bhagalpur DM Nawal Kishor Choudhary at Samiksha Bhawan on Sunday, attended by senior officials, assessed preparedness across departments. The administration has directed all departments concerned to ensure hassle-free arrangements, with focus on uninterrupted power supply, availability of drinking water, sanitation, and round-the-clock health services.

Police have been asked to regulate movement of heavy vehicles along the Sultanganj route and the trek path to Deoghar.Officials have also been instructed to closely monitor ongoing works, including installation of German hangars at elevated locations to prevent waterlogging during rains. Steps are being taken to develop a Shravani Mela app and run promotional jingles in local languages, while ‘Didi Ki Rasoi’ community kitchens will be set up along the route.

Special lighting arrangements will be made on the route and at key locations such as Namami Gange Ghat and Krishnagarh Chowk.The administration said ensuring safety and security of pilgrims arriving from across the country and neighbouring nations like Nepal and Bhutan remains a priority. The pilgrimage begins with collection of Ganga water at Sultanganj and culminates at Deoghar, where devotees offer it on the Shivalinga.