Patna : The district administration has stepped up preparations for Harihar Kshetra Sonpur Mela 2026, with plans to introduce a modern food court, install 50 bio-toilets and showcase traditional cuisine from all districts of Bihar. The fair will also feature prominent brand outlets, an art and craft fair, cultural programmes and attractions highlighting rural life.
Saran District Magistrate Vaibhav Srivastava reviewed the preparations at a meeting held at the Collectorate on Friday. District-level officials attended the meeting, while other concerned officers joined through video conferencing. Representatives of agencies and vendors selected for the fair’s arrangements were also present.
The DM reviewed preparations department-wise and directed officials to complete all assigned work within the stipulated deadlines while maintaining quality.
Modern Food Court To Showcase Cuisine From All Districts
Food arrangements will be a major attraction at this year’s fair. A modern food court is being developed within the fairground, where visitors will be able to sample traditional and speciality dishes from all districts of Bihar.
The district administration has directed that letters be sent to the respective district magistrates to ensure the availability of local cuisines. Stalls will also be allotted to prominent and established brands.
A committee headed by the Additional Collector (Supply) will oversee the food court’s operations and arrangements. Facilities such as drinking water, washrooms and adequate lighting will be provided.
Food stalls will also be set up at the art and craft fair. The administration plans to combine a modern café-style interior with an exterior reflecting rural surroundings and traditional food culture, giving visitors an experience of both contemporary facilities and local heritage.
50 Bio-Toilets And Improved Public Facilities
The administration plans to install 50 bio-toilets across the fairground for visitors and devotees. The Sonepur Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) has been directed to identify suitable locations.
The Executive Engineer of the Public Health Engineering Department and the SDO will jointly assess requirements for drinking water and washroom facilities and submit a detailed report.
The meeting also reviewed plans to improve public facilities across Sonepur town, including urinals, streetlights and public toilets. The administration will also work on setting up night shelters for people requiring temporary accommodation. The SDO and Circle Officer have been asked to identify suitable sites.
Zone-Wise Cleaning And Lighting Arrangements
Selected agencies have been instructed to ensure proper sanitation and lighting throughout the fairground. Cleaning workers will be deployed zone-wise according to requirements, with regular waste collection and disposal arrangements.
A district-level team will monitor sanitation work and waste management. The electrical agency has also been directed to complete lighting arrangements in all zones on time and maintain the required quality.
Traffic Management, Parking And Cranes On JP Setu
Traffic management and parking arrangements were among the key issues discussed during the review meeting, considering the expected movement of large numbers of visitors and vehicles.
The SDO informed the meeting about action to remove tractors from English Bazaar. Officials have been directed to develop organised parking facilities wherever adequate space is available.
The administration has also arranged one crane on each side of JP Setu and an additional standby crane to deal with vehicle breakdowns or emergencies. The list of proposed drop gates in the fairground will be shared with the Building Construction Department.
The administration aims to ensure smooth traffic movement and quick response in case of emergencies during the fair.
Excavation Near IOCL Pipelines Requires Coordination
To improve coordination among departments, a dedicated communication group will be formed for officials and agencies involved in Sonpur Mela preparations. Representatives of Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) will also be included.
The DM directed that no excavation should be carried out near IOCL pipelines or other underground lines without coordination and the presence of the company’s concerned representative. The instruction is intended to prevent accidents and damage to pipelines during road construction and other development work.
Departments have also been asked to finalise in advance the exhibits and activities planned at their respective exhibition stalls.
Control Room And Media Centre To Get Better Facilities
The administration reviewed arrangements for the reception area, media cell, administrative building, district control room and media centre. The DM directed officials to equip all these facilities with the necessary resources and equipment for smooth operations and information sharing during the fair.
A district-level team will assess the progress of work around departmental exhibition stalls, police stations and control rooms. It will prepare updated reports identifying completed and pending tasks.
Preparations for the welcome gate, VIP lounge and other important locations have also been ordered to be completed within the deadline.
Cultural Programmes To Be Organised During The Fair
Cultural events will form an important part of the fair’s programme. The administration will prepare a schedule of performances and activities for the duration of the event.
Officials have been directed to send invitations to public representatives and obtain confirmation of participation from the concerned ministers.
A verification committee will also be formed to assess the quality of work being carried out by selected vendors and agencies. The Building Construction Department informed the meeting that the barricading plan would be submitted for administrative approval after obtaining clearance from the SDO, Sonepur.
DM Directs Departments To Complete Preparations On Time
DM Vaibhav Srivastava instructed all departments and selected agencies to avoid negligence and ensure that every arrangement is completed within the stipulated timeframe.
He emphasised that providing a clean, safe and well-equipped environment for devotees, tourists and other visitors remains the administration’s priority. Regular monitoring and coordination among departments will be maintained to ensure that the preparations are completed smoothly ahead of Sonpur Mela 2026.
