Preparations for Shravani Mela 2026 Intensified, CCTV Surveillance Strengthened for Devotees' Safety; Instructions Issued to Repair Faulty Cameras

Preparations for Shravani Mela 2026 Intensified, CCTV Surveillance Strengthened for Devotees' Safety; Instructions Issued to Repair Faulty Cameras

Bhagalpur: The district administration has accelerated preparations for the successful, safe, and peaceful organization of Shravani Mela 2026. Keeping in mind the safety of a large number of Kanwariyas and devotees expected to participate in the annual religious event, the administration has taken important steps to strengthen the city's surveillance system. The Sadar Sub-Division Administration has instructed the Municipal Corporation to ensure that all CCTV cameras installed across the city remain fully operational and that damaged cameras are repaired immediately.

According to the instructions issued by the administration, surveillance arrangements at major roads, crowded areas, routes leading to the Ganga ghats, and sensitive locations must remain fully functional throughout the fair period. A technical inspection of all CCTV cameras will be conducted, and cameras found defective will be repaired without delay.

In a joint letter issued by the Sadar Sub-Divisional Officer and the City Deputy Superintendent of Police, officials stated that the Shravani Mela will be organized from July 30 to August 29 this year. During this period, a large number of Kanwariyas and devotees will collect holy water from various Ganga ghats in Bhagalpur and proceed towards Baba Vasukinath Dham and Baba Baidyanath Dham. Considering the expected daily gathering of thousands of devotees, maintaining security and law and order has been declared the administration's top priority.

Officials said that the Shravani Mela is not just a religious gathering but also a large-scale public event involving huge crowds. Therefore, advance planning is essential for crowd management, traffic control, crime prevention, and ensuring the convenience of devotees. CCTV surveillance is considered a crucial part of this comprehensive security plan.

Through the CCTV network installed across the city, police and administrative officials will monitor crowd movement and activities. Any suspicious activity, theft, snatching, disputes, or emergency situations can be identified quickly, allowing authorities to take immediate action. The administration believes that the use of modern technology will make security arrangements during the fair more effective.

The Municipal Corporation has been directed to prepare a complete list of installed CCTV cameras and review their current status. Cameras with technical faults must be repaired at the earliest. Officials have also instructed that live footage and recordings from all cameras should be regularly transmitted to the designated control center.

Authorities emphasized that merely installing cameras is not enough; continuous operation and monitoring are equally important. Trained personnel will be deployed at the control room to keep a 24-hour watch on CCTV feeds. In case of any unusual activity, the concerned departments will be informed immediately.

During the Shravani Mela, the number of devotees in Bhagalpur city increases significantly. Pilgrims from different regions arrive at the Ganga ghats to collect holy water and then travel on foot or through other means towards Deoghar and Vasukinath Dham. Managing city security, traffic flow, and crowd movement during this period becomes a major challenge for the administration.

The administration has also issued necessary directions to various departments regarding the safety of Ganga ghats, cleanliness, lighting arrangements, medical facilities, and traffic management. Preparations are underway for additional police deployment, assistance centers at important locations, and availability of emergency services.

Police officials stated that special attention will be given to crime prevention and the safety of devotees during the fair. CCTV cameras will help monitor anti-social elements and suspicious activities. Special police teams will be deployed in crowded areas to prevent any untoward incidents.

Local residents and traders have welcomed the administration's decision. They said that during the Shravani Mela, increased crowds often affect normal activities in the city. A strong surveillance system will provide a safer environment not only for devotees but also for local citizens.

The administration has appealed to citizens and devotees to cooperate with security arrangements. Officials have advised pilgrims to follow the guidelines issued by authorities and immediately report any suspicious object or person to the police. Public cooperation will play an important role in ensuring the smooth conduct of such a large religious event.

Experts believe that technology-based surveillance systems are becoming increasingly important for managing large religious gatherings. CCTV cameras play a significant role in crime prevention, crowd management, traffic control, and emergency response. The decision of the Bhagalpur administration to repair and maintain all cameras is part of a modern security strategy.

The administration has planned better coordination among all departments involved in Shravani Mela 2026. The Municipal Corporation, police department, health department, electricity department, and other concerned agencies have been instructed to complete their assigned responsibilities on time.

Preparations for the Shravani Mela are currently progressing rapidly in Bhagalpur. Along with strengthening CCTV surveillance, other arrangements for devotees' convenience and safety are also being finalized. The administration aims to conduct this year's Shravani Mela in a peaceful, safe, and well-organized manner so that devotees arriving from across the country do not face any difficulties.