Jharkhand is all set to host the annual Shrawani Mela from July 11 to August 9, with over 50 lakh devotees expected to visit the sacred shrines of Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar and Basukinath Dham in Dumka. To ensure a smooth and spiritually enriching experience for the devotees, Jharkhand Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari conducted a high-level review meeting on Wednesday with department heads, district commissioners, SPs, and officials from both Deoghar and Dumka.
Emphasizing crowd control, Chief Secretary Tiwari directed officials to implement robust management strategies to prevent stampedes. She instructed authorities to ensure that devotees are not gathered in one place in large numbers and move in small regulated groups.
Security personnel must only leave their posts after being relieved, ensuring constant vigilance.
Real-time monitoring of crowds using AI-enabled CCTV cameras and drones will be conducted, and officers have been directed to act immediately if any location appears to be overcrowded.
Flat and even walkways are to be ensured throughout the Mela area to avoid tripping hazards, and all stairways must be kept dry and non-slippery. Entry and exit routes must be separate to maintain smooth flow, and backup arrangements must be in place in case of power outages. Additionally, no live or loose electrical wires should be exposed at any site.
Metal detectors at entry points must be used effectively without allowing excessive crowding. The Chief Secretary also emphasized the need for top officials to be physically present during high-pressure times, especially on Sundays and Mondays, when footfall increases substantially. Officers from emergency departments have been asked to visit the site and fix any shortcomings in advance.
Focus on Cleanliness, Drinking Water, and Communication
Given the monsoon season, cleanliness has been made a top priority. The Chief Secretary stressed the importance of maintaining hygiene, ensuring clean drinking water, and regular maintenance of tents and toilet facilities in the tent city set up for pilgrims. She directed that disposable bed covers be made available to devotees as per the instructions of Chief Minister Hemant Soren.
To assist pilgrims, information hoardings must be displayed prominently, guiding them on traffic, healthcare, resting points, and other services. QR codes for feedback and complaints will also be installed across key areas to improve public engagement and service delivery.
Additional Measures on Infrastructure and Public Services
Officials were also instructed to ensure readiness in key areas such as Kanwar path, roads in Baba Nagri and Basukinath Dham, accommodation facilities, traffic management, fire safety, ambulance services, medical facilities, and street lighting. Each department has been made accountable for timely execution and round-the-clock service monitoring.
The government of Jharkhand is committed to making this year’s Shrawani Mela not only spiritually fulfilling but also safe, hygienic, and efficiently managed for lakhs of visiting devotees.
