High-Level Meeting Between Bihar and Jharkhand in Deoghar; Key Decisions Made for a Safe and Smooth Pilgrimage
Deoghar: An important inter-state coordination meeting was held in Deoghar on Saturday regarding the successful, safe, and smooth conduct of the upcoming state-level Shravani Mela 2026. Presided over by Santhal Pargana Commissioner Sanjay Kumar, the meeting was attended by administrative officials, Superintendents of Police (SPs), and District Magistrates from both Bihar and Jharkhand. A comprehensive discussion was held on providing better facilities for devotees and ensuring robust security arrangements during the fair.
24x7 Monitoring via WhatsApp Group
The most significant decision from the meeting was the emphasis on the use of Information Technology (IT). To maintain coordination throughout the entire Kanwariya journey from Sultanganj to Deoghar, officials from both states will utilize a dedicated WhatsApp group. This will facilitate the sharing of real-time information and ensure immediate response in case of any emergency. Additionally, an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based monitoring system will be used for crowd management.
Strict Rules for Security and Crowd Control
With the safety and convenience of pilgrims in mind, officials have finalized several strict guidelines:
Ban on VIP Darshan: The facility for any kind of 'out-of-turn' or VIP prayer-darshan will remain completely suspended during the fair to ensure that common Kanwariyas do not face any inconvenience.
Vehicle Restrictions: For security reasons, a complete ban has been imposed on Kanwariyas sitting on the roofs of any vehicles arriving from Bihar. Furthermore, the entry of double-decker vehicles into Deoghar has also been restricted.
Vigilance and Patrols: Continuous patrolling on the Kanwariya route will be intensified, and the administration of border districts has been instructed to remain in constant contact with one another.
Enhanced Facilities for Devotees
Deputy Commissioner Saurabh Kumar Bhuwania stated that extensive arrangements have been made for the convenience of the Kanwariyas:
Adequate arrangements for holding points, tent cities, drinking water, toilets, mobile charging points, and bathing facilities have been made throughout the fair area.
A special awareness campaign will be conducted for children and elderly pilgrims, appealing to them to carry the contact details of their family members so that they can be reached immediately in case they get separated.
Health services will remain active 24x7.
Officials from Bhagalpur, Banka, Munger, Jamui, Deoghar, Dumka, and Godda provided updates on the preparations in their respective regions. All officials agreed that mutual coordination between the two states would make this year's Kanwar Yatra historically safe and successful.
