Dumka: Jharkhand Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar on Sunday chaired a comprehensive review meeting regarding the preparations for the upcoming Shravani Mela in Deoghar district. The minister directed officials to ensure improved facilities, enhanced safety measures, and a smooth stay for the millions of pilgrims expected to attend the annual fair.
Meeting Details and Key Attendees
The meeting was held at the circuit house auditorium and was attended by Tourism Secretary Mukesh Kumar, Santhal Pargana Commissioner Sanjay Kumar, along with the Deputy Commissioners and Superintendents of Police of Deoghar and Dumka districts. The minister emphasized that the arrangements for this year should surpass the standards set in previous years, ensuring that devotees can perform the sacred ritual of 'jal arpan' conveniently and safely.
Infrastructure Developments
Minister Kumar announced that the design for a proposed foot overbridge near Khijuriya has been finalized, and the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is currently under preparation. He directed Deoghar Deputy Commissioner Shashi Prakash Singh to review the plans and suggest any necessary modifications. The bridge is expected to be completed by next year's Shravani Mela, providing safer pedestrian access.
VIP Darshan Suspension
In a significant decision aimed at ensuring a hassle-free experience for all pilgrims, the minister announced that VIP and VVIP darshan would remain completely suspended throughout the month-long Shravani Mela. This move is intended to prevent inconvenience to general devotees and maintain equality during the religious event.
Road and Traffic Management
Kumar instructed officials to ensure the completion of the Deoghar–Basukinath four-lane road before the fair begins. Deoghar is home to the renowned Baidyanath Dham temple, one of the twelve Jyotirlingas, while Basukinath is another famous Shiva temple located in Dumka district. Emphasis was also placed on coordinated efforts to strengthen law and order, crowd management, traffic regulation, designated parking zones, and streamlined route planning to handle the massive influx of pilgrims.
Safety Concerns and Accident Prevention
Highlighting safety concerns, the minister warned against the use of overloaded and illegally modified tractor-trolleys, especially double-decker arrangements, which he described as a major cause of accidents during the mela. Officials were directed to strictly enforce regulations to prevent such vehicles from operating.
The Shravani Mela is set to begin on July 31, and the administration is working diligently to ensure a safe and spiritually fulfilling experience for all devotees. The review meeting underscored the state government's commitment to improving facilities and infrastructure for one of the largest religious gatherings in the region.
