Massive Security Deployment in Bhagalpur and Banka, Police Headquarters Sends Additional DSPs, Officers, and Thousands of Personnel
Bhagalpur: The Bihar Police Headquarters has significantly strengthened security arrangements to ensure the smooth, safe, and peaceful conduct of the world-famous Shravani Mela. Considering the continuously increasing number of Kanwariyas (pilgrims) and the need for enhanced security, additional police forces have been deployed in Bhagalpur and Banka districts. Following this decision, the administration in both districts has been placed on high alert to maintain law and order throughout the pilgrimage.
According to official information, acting on the request of Bhagalpur Range Inspector General (IG) Vivek Kumar, the Police Headquarters has deployed six Deputy Superintendents of Police (DSPs), 60 police officers, and 1,500 additional police personnel in Bhagalpur district. Similarly, in view of the heavy movement of pilgrims, six DSPs, 150 police officers, and 1,800 additional personnel have been deployed in Banka district.
Enhanced Security at Ganga Ghats and Kanwariya Routes
During the annual Shravani Mela, millions of devotees collect holy water from the Ganga at Sultanganj and undertake the pilgrimage on foot to offer it at the Baba Baidyanath Temple in Deoghar.
As thousands of pilgrims pass through Bhagalpur and Banka, the additional security personnel will be deployed at major Ganga ghats, Kanwariya routes, rest camps, medical aid centers, crowded locations, and sensitive areas up to the Banka border. Administrative officers will also remain stationed at key locations to monitor the situation continuously.
Special Instructions Issued to SSP
The Police Headquarters has instructed Bhagalpur Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) Pramod Kumar Yadav to ensure the proper deployment of all additional forces so that law and order, crowd management, and traffic movement remain under control throughout the fair.
All DSPs and police officers have also been directed to conduct regular patrols, closely monitor crowd movement, and respond immediately to any emergency situation.
Tight Security Arrangements in Banka
A large number of Kanwariyas also travel through various routes in Banka district during the Shravani Mela. Keeping this in mind, the administration has prepared a comprehensive security plan for the district.
The Police Headquarters has deployed six DSPs, 150 police officers—including Inspectors, Sub-Inspectors, Assistant Sub-Inspectors, and Havildars—and 1,800 additional police personnel in Banka.
These officers and personnel will be stationed along Kanwariya routes, major intersections, rest areas, parking zones, and other sensitive locations to prevent any untoward incidents and ensure smooth crowd management.
Special Focus on Traffic Management
The arrival of millions of pilgrims during the Shravani Mela places immense pressure on road traffic. To address this, additional traffic police teams will also be deployed.
Authorities will implement traffic diversions, barricading, designated parking areas, and separate traffic routes to ensure smooth movement of both pilgrims and vehicles. Dedicated emergency corridors will also be created for ambulances, fire services, and other emergency response teams.
Technology-Based Surveillance
The police will make extensive use of modern technology to monitor the fair. CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, centralized control rooms, and wireless communication systems will be used to keep a close watch on all major locations.
Real-time crowd monitoring will also be carried out so that additional forces can be deployed immediately wherever crowd density increases.
Pilgrim Convenience Also a Priority
Along with security, the administration is giving equal importance to the convenience of devotees. Medical camps, drinking water facilities, toilets, help desks, lost-and-found centers, and information kiosks will be set up along the pilgrimage routes.
Police personnel have been instructed to behave courteously with pilgrims and provide assistance whenever required. Adequate numbers of women police officers will also be deployed to ensure the safety of female devotees.
Strict Vigil Against Rumors and Anti-Social Elements
The administration has stated that social media platforms will be closely monitored to prevent the spread of rumors and misinformation during the fair.
Cyber teams have been activated to identify and counter misleading information. In addition, plainclothes police personnel will remain deployed to keep watch on suspicious activities and anti-social elements.
Administration's Appeal to Devotees
The district administration has appealed to all pilgrims to follow official guidelines, use only designated routes, and immediately report any suspicious person or object to the police.
Devotees have also been advised not to believe rumors and to rely only on official information issued by the administration and law enforcement agencies.
Administration Confident of Smooth Arrangements
Police officials said that extensive security preparations have been made for this year's Shravani Mela. They expressed confidence that the deployment of additional police personnel, the use of advanced surveillance technology, and improved traffic management would ensure a safe and comfortable pilgrimage for devotees.
Officials added that close coordination among all government departments would help ensure the successful and peaceful conduct of the annual religious event.
The Bihar Police and district administration have implemented extensive security measures for the world-famous Shravani Mela. Bhagalpur has been provided with six DSPs, 60 police officers, and 1,500 additional personnel, while Banka has received six DSPs, 150 police officers, and 1,800 additional personnel. These forces will be deployed at major Ganga ghats, Kanwariya routes, rest camps, and other sensitive locations. The administration's primary objective is to ensure the safety of millions of devotees, maintain law and order, and facilitate the smooth and peaceful conduct of the annual pilgrimage.
