Tight Security Measures for Baba Garibnath Temple During Shravani Fair; Every Devotee to Undergo Metal Detector Screening, DM Forms Special Committee
Muzaffarpur: The district administration has introduced comprehensive security and crowd management measures for this year's Shravani Fair at the renowned Baba Garibnath Temple, popularly known as the "Deoghar of North Bihar." Anticipating the arrival of lakhs of devotees during the holy month of Shravan, authorities have decided to significantly strengthen security arrangements and adopt technology-driven surveillance to ensure a safe and smooth pilgrimage.
District Magistrate Kumar Gaurav has constituted a special Law and Order Executive Committee to oversee the fair's management. The committee includes the Additional District Magistrate and six senior administrative officers, who will supervise security, crowd control, traffic management, and law and order throughout the event. The administration has directed all concerned departments to complete every preparation before July 30.
Extensive Preparations for Lakhs of Devotees
During the month of Shravan, Baba Garibnath Temple attracts devotees not only from Bihar but also from Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Nepal, and several other regions.
Every year, lakhs of Kanwariyas and Shiva devotees visit the temple to offer holy water to Lord Shiva. Given the expected turnout, the administration has prioritized security, crowd management, and visitor convenience.
Special Law and Order Committee Constituted
District Magistrate Kumar Gaurav has formed a dedicated Law and Order Executive Committee to coordinate all arrangements related to the Shravani Fair.
The committee comprises the Additional District Magistrate and six senior officials, who will ensure coordination among various government departments, maintain law and order, monitor security arrangements, and respond promptly to any emergency.
Officials have been instructed to conduct regular review meetings and closely monitor all preparations.
Mandatory Security Screening for Every Devotee
For the first time, every devotee entering the temple premises will be required to undergo a thorough security screening.
The administration has made it clear that no one will be allowed to enter the temple without security checks.
The objective is to ensure the safety of devotees and prevent any potential security threats during the fair.
Door Frame Metal Detectors to Be Installed
Door Frame Metal Detectors (DFMDs) will be installed at the temple's main entrance.
Every visitor will be required to pass through these detectors before entering the premises. The system will help security personnel identify any suspicious metallic objects or prohibited items.
Additional Screening with Hand-Held Metal Detectors
In addition to DFMDs, security personnel will also use hand-held metal detectors for secondary screening whenever required.
Police officers stationed at entry gates, waiting queues, and various points inside the temple complex will conduct additional checks to strengthen overall security.
This dual-layer security system is expected to significantly enhance protection inside the temple premises.
Heavy Deployment of Police Personnel
A large number of police personnel will be deployed at the temple complex, approach roads, parking areas, and Kanwariya routes throughout the fair.
Special arrangements will also be made for women devotees, with female police officers deployed at key locations.
Quick Response Teams (QRTs) and additional security personnel will remain on standby at sensitive locations to respond immediately to any emergency.
Special Focus on Crowd Management
The administration has emphasized that crowd management is as important as security.
Separate entry and exit routes will be designated for devotees. Barricades, queue management systems, and directional signboards will be installed to ensure smooth movement and prevent overcrowding or stampede-like situations.
Enhanced CCTV Surveillance
Surveillance across the temple complex and surrounding areas will also be strengthened.
CCTV cameras will continuously monitor all important locations, while a central control room will oversee security operations throughout the fair.
All Preparations to Be Completed Before July 30
The District Magistrate has instructed all departments to complete every aspect of the preparations before July 30.
These include security arrangements, barricading, lighting, drinking water facilities, medical services, sanitation, traffic management, and disaster preparedness measures.
Special Attention to Devotee Facilities
Besides security, the administration is also focusing on improving facilities for pilgrims.
Medical camps, ambulances, drinking water stations, temporary toilets, rest shelters, and information centers will be established during the fair.
Lost-and-found centers and public help desks will also be set up to assist devotees throughout the event.
Administration Appeals for Public Cooperation
The district administration has appealed to all devotees to cooperate with security personnel during the screening process and follow official guidelines.
Visitors have also been requested not to carry prohibited items into the temple premises and to comply with all instructions issued by security officials.
This year's Shravani Fair at Baba Garibnath Temple, one of North Bihar's most revered Shiva shrines, will witness significantly upgraded security arrangements. With Door Frame Metal Detectors, hand-held metal detectors, a dedicated Law and Order Executive Committee, extensive police deployment, CCTV surveillance, and advanced crowd management systems, the administration aims to ensure a safe, secure, and well-organized pilgrimage.
If all preparations are completed on schedule, this year's Shravani Fair is expected to provide a safer and more convenient experience for the lakhs of devotees who visit the temple to offer prayers and perform Jalabhishek of Lord Shiva.