Sonepur : The Saran district administration has stepped up preparations for Sonepur Mela 2026, focusing on public safety, traffic management, healthcare and essential facilities for the expected influx of devotees and tourists.
District Magistrate Vaibhav Srivastava and Senior Superintendent of Police Roshan Kumar jointly chaired a review meeting at the Collectorate on Saturday evening. Officials from various departments assessed arrangements for the fairgrounds, approach roads, parking, security, sanitation, drinking water and emergency services.
The administration has directed all departments to complete preparations within the stipulated deadlines. Key measures include seven temporary health camps operating round the clock, ambulances at nine locations and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams at major bathing ghats.
Seven Health Camps To Operate 24 Hours
The Health Department is preparing temporary medical facilities across the fairgrounds to provide prompt assistance to visitors.
According to the preparations outlined at the review meeting, seven health camps will operate 24 hours a day during the fair. Ambulances will also be stationed at nine locations to facilitate emergency response and transport patients to medical facilities when necessary.
Civil Surgeon officials briefed the administration on the proposed arrangements. The round-the-clock services are intended to help visitors access medical assistance during periods of heavy footfall.
SDRF Teams To Be Deployed At Three Bathing Ghats
Special safety arrangements are being planned at bathing ghats ahead of Kartik Purnima, when large numbers of devotees are expected to gather.
The administration has directed that two SDRF teams each be deployed at Marhaura, Pahleja Ghat and Kalighat. The teams will help respond to emergencies and strengthen safety arrangements at the riverfront locations.
The Sonepur Sub-Divisional Officer has also been asked to prepare a plan for changing rooms at the ghats to improve convenience for devotees.
Three-Shift Police Deployment Planned On JP Setu
Traffic management on JP Setu, which connects Patna and Saran, is among the administration’s major priorities during the fair.
Police personnel and magistrates will be deployed at important points along the bridge, with adequate staffing across three shifts, particularly on Saturdays and Sundays. Barricades, drop gates, static duty points and other resources will be arranged to regulate vehicle movement.
The Saran administration will coordinate with the Patna and Vaishali administrations to prepare a joint traffic management plan. Route diversions may be introduced as required, following arrangements used during the Shravani Mela.
Officials have also been directed to conduct a traffic drill so that personnel understand their responsibilities and the proposed movement plan before the fair becomes crowded.
Cranes will be stationed at both ends of JP Setu to help address vehicle breakdowns and traffic disruptions. Alternative traffic arrangements may also be introduced around an hour before VIP movements, depending on requirements.
Parking And Crowd-Control Measures Across Fairgrounds
The administration is preparing traffic plans for major approach roads and identifying designated parking areas to reduce congestion.
Arrangements are being explored for parking near the area identified by the Tourism Department for Swiss cottages. Officials have been asked to coordinate with landowners to secure the required space and address waterlogging through proper drainage.
The Building Construction Department will assist in installing sturdy barricades and drop gates. Authorities have also been directed to prevent shops and vending carts from occupying parks and restricted areas and to undertake anti-encroachment drives where necessary.
Special attention will be given to the narrow stretch between Gajgrah Chowk and Ghoda Bazaar, where barricades and drop gates are planned to regulate movement.
The administration has emphasised the need for adequate security at major entry and exit points to prevent congestion and maintain orderly movement within the fairgrounds.
Streetlights To Be Repaired By November 6
Lighting arrangements across the fairgrounds and adjoining areas are being strengthened to improve visibility and visitor safety.
The municipal executive officer has been designated as the nodal officer for lighting. Officials have been instructed to install adequate LED and decorative lights along the route from the entrance of Harihar Nath Temple to the fairgrounds, camp area and Nakhas area.
The administration has set November 6 as the deadline for repairing defective streetlights across the municipal area.
The Sonepur Sub-Divisional Officer has been asked to survey the area and assess lighting requirements. Officials have also been directed to organise exposed electrical wires near the Gajgrah statue to reduce the risk of accidents.
Drinking Water, Toilets And Road Repairs
The administration has instructed departments to maintain cleanliness and improve basic amenities throughout the fairgrounds.
Planned measures include drinking-water standposts at key locations, drainage and soak-pit construction where required, and the repair and renovation of public toilets.
Officials have also been directed to complete painting and repairs at major intersections.
The Rural Development Department, Rural Works Department and Road Construction Department will be responsible for maintaining roads within the fairgrounds and on routes leading to Sonepur. Roads will be repaired and potholes addressed, with departments instructed to complete tendering and work-order procedures on time.
Round-The-Clock Veterinary Care For Animal Fair
The traditional animal fair is another important component of Sonepur Mela, and the administration has directed officials to ensure adequate facilities for animals and traders.
The animal market will receive drinking-water facilities, regular cleaning and proper drainage. Officials have been asked to construct drainage systems and soak pits where necessary.
A dedicated veterinary team will remain available around the clock. The Sonepur veterinary hospital will also operate 24 hours a day, with additional veterinarians to be deployed in the fairgrounds according to requirements.
Cultural Programmes And Sonepur Idol Under Preparation
The review meeting also covered preparations for sporting competitions and cultural programmes planned during the fair.
The District Art and Culture Officer has been directed to finalise artist participation and performance schedules for Sonepur Idol and other cultural events.
The Tourism Department and district administration are coordinating arrangements to ensure that performances take place according to schedule. Divisional-level sports competitions are also among the activities being prepared.
Mela Darpan To Share Important Information
The administration has directed officials to issue passes to local residents wherever necessary and arrange cleaning, painting and repairs at the Dak Bungalow.
A system called Mela Darpan is being prepared to facilitate the circulation of important information, joint administrative orders and contact details relating to the fair.
Officials have also been instructed to ensure that the control room operates effectively and that departments coordinate promptly when issues arise.
Administration Directs Departments To Complete Preparations On Time
At the end of the meeting, the District Magistrate directed all departments to complete their assigned work within the prescribed deadlines.
The administration said its priority was to provide devotees, tourists and other visitors with a safe, clean and well-organised fair experience.
With medical camps, ambulance services, ghat safety arrangements, traffic controls and improved public amenities planned, officials will focus on coordinating the measures before the expected rush at the historic Sonepur Mela.
