Sultanganj Shravani Mela: Firm Preparations by the District Administration, Special Emphasis on Security and Cleanliness
The world-famous and sacred Shravani Mela is a central hub of faith in North Bihar and Jharkhand, where millions of devotees (Kanwarias) arrive every year during the month of Sawan. Chanting slogans in praise of Lord Shiva, streams of these Kanwarias collect holy water from the Uttaravani Ganga bank in Sultanganj and depart for Baba Baidyanath Dham located in Deoghar. This year as well, administrative preparations for the Shravani Mela are at their peak. The district administration has prepared a comprehensive and foolproof action plan regarding the safety, convenience, ease, and cleanliness of the devotees so that Kanwarias do not face any kind of inconvenience.
Safety of Devotees is the Top Priority
The security of every single devotee entering the Sultanganj fair area is the top priority of the district administration. To deal with any untoward incident during the fair and to maintain law and order smoothly, police forces are being deployed at every nook and corner.
Deployment of Security Forces: A sufficient number of police personnel, women police forces, and plainclothes intelligence security personnel have been deployed in the fair area, Ganga ghats, Kanwaria path, and main routes.
CCTV and Drone Surveillance: To keep a sharp eye on antisocial elements, the entire fair area and ghats are under high-definition CCTV camera surveillance. Additionally, the situation will be monitored from the sky through drone cameras in crowded and sensitive locations to prevent any stampede-like situations.
Control Room: A central control room has been established in the main fair area to coordinate security and emergency services, which will remain active 24/7.
Cleanliness Arrangement: 1200 Laborers Deployed
During the Shravani Mela, the biggest challenge is sanitation and public health. Due to the gathering of millions of devotees, garbage collection and maintaining cleanliness are extremely essential. This time, the district administration has exercised special vigilance on this front.
Vast Labor Force: A total of 1200 laborers have been deployed to keep the cleanliness arrangements in the fair area robust and active.
Shift-wise Work: These sanitation workers have been deployed in different shifts so that cleaning operations run continuously day and night, from the ghats to the Kanwaria path.
Dustbins and Toilets: Dustbins have been arranged at various places, and mobile and permanent toilets have been constructed to prevent open defecation and maintain the sanctity and cleanliness of the Ganga bank.
Relief from Heat and Humidity: Water Sprinkled on Roads via Sprinklers
During the month of Sawan, the weather is often humid and hot. To provide relief to the barefoot Kanwarias from the heat and scorching roads, the district administration has taken a commendable initiative.
Sprinkler System: Sprinklers (water sprinkling machines/vehicles) will be used to lower the temperature of the Kanwaria path roads and protect against dust.
Regular Sprinkling: Through these sprinklers, water will be continuously sprinkled on the main roads so that the roads remain cool and devotees do not face problems like blisters or burning sensations while walking.
Other Key Facilities and Healthcare Arrangements
The administration's commitment is not limited to security and cleanliness alone; several other steps have also been taken for the all-possible assistance of the devotees:
Health Camps: Temporary medical camps have been set up at various places in the fair area, where doctors, paramedical staff, and life-saving medicines will always be available. Ambulance services have also been kept on a 24-hour alert mode.
Drinking Water Arrangements: Water kiosks (pyaus) for pure drinking water have been arranged at regular intervals for the Kanwarias.
Lighting Arrangements: To ensure Kanwarias face no trouble during the night, high-mast lights and alternative generator arrangements have been made along the entire route.
The Sultanganj Shravani Mela is a grand festival of faith, devotion, and surrender. These solid preparations and commitments by the district administration clearly indicate that this year's fair will not only be secure but will also bring a pleasant and smooth experience for the devotees. With the mutual cooperation of the administration and the public, this grand event is fully expected to conclude peacefully and magnificently.
