RAILWAY : SECURITY ARRANGEMENT HAS BEEN BEEFED UP FOR 29-DAYS SHRAVANI MELA IN ASANSOL DIVISION OF EASTERN RAILWAYS

TTT NEWS NETWORK

KOLKATA, 25 JULY 2024:

Shravani Mela, rich in religious significance, highlighting the cultural and communal harmony of the region, held annually at Baidyanathdham in Deoghar, Jharkhand. During Shravan, millions of devotees, known as Kanwariyas, make pilgrimages to offer Ganges water to Lord Shiva at the Baidyanath Temple. With such massive participation, robust security arrangements are essential. Authorities ensure safety through crowd management, surveillance, medical facilities, and emergency response teams. These measures facilitate a smooth and secure festival.

Recently, a meeting was held in Ranchi to discuss security arrangements for Sharavani Mela 2024 at Baidyanathdham, Deoghar. The meeting was attended by Additional Director General/Rail, Inspector General-cum-Principal Chief Security Commissioner/East Central Railway  Deputy Inspector General-cum-Chief Security Commissioner/Eastern Railway, Additional Divisional Railway Manager/Asansol, Senior Divisional Security Commissioner/Asansol and Superintendent of Railway Police.

The Asansol Railway Division is undertaking extensive security measures for the Shravani Mela 2024 to ensure the safety and well-being of all Kanwarias. A deployment of approximately 400 security personnel will be strategically positioned at Jasidih, Basukinath, Deoghar, and Baidyanathdham to manage the large influx of devotees. At Jasidih station, an Assistant Commandant of the Railway Protection Force (RPF) will be on duty full-time throughout the Mela, accompanied by a substantial contingent of force personnel to oversee security operations.

To bolster surveillance efforts, 100 CCTV cameras have been installed at Jasidih, with an additional 20 cameras each at Baidyanathdham, Basukinath, and Deoghar, ensuring comprehensive coverage of these critical areas. Security checks will be rigorously conducted with the assistance of dog squads, and special teams in civilian dress will be deployed to monitor and identify any criminal or anti-social elements within the crowd.

In addition to these security measures, help desks will also be established at key locations to provide assistance and information to attendees, ensuring a smooth and safe experience for all.