Saran: Preparations have begun for the world-famous Harihar Kshetra Sonepur Mela, which will be held from November 22 to December 23 this year. The 32-day fair is expected to draw pilgrims and tourists from across India and abroad.
District Magistrate Vaibhav Srivastava has constituted 14 dedicated cells to oversee arrangements for the event. Senior and nodal officers have been assigned responsibilities, with instructions to coordinate with relevant departments and prepare action plans in advance.
Cultural And Sporting Events
The Cultural Program Cell will prepare a schedule covering all 32 days of the fair. Programmes highlighting local culture and traditions will be organised in different zones, with opportunities for local artists to perform.
The proposed programme includes religious and cultural events such as Bhagwat Katha, Ramlila and Ganga Aarti at the riverbank.
The Outdoor Event Cell will organise sporting activities, including boat races, wrestling competitions and kite-flying events. Officials will oversee venue selection, resources and safety arrangements.
Riverbank Safety Measures
Special arrangements will be made at Sonepur and Pahleja Ghats to ensure the safety of pilgrims. Barricading and other protective measures will be implemented at designated bathing areas, including Purani Gandak Pul Ghat, Sadhugachhi Ghat and Kali Ghat.
Boats, trained boatmen, divers and SDRF teams will be deployed during the Kartik Purnima holy dip. Officials will also monitor bathing areas and crowd movement to manage safety and security.
Sanitation And Drinking Water
The fairgrounds will be divided into two zones and 10 sub-zones for sanitation operations. Regular cleaning will cover bathing ghats, roads, drains, official camps and the Dak Bungalow area.
The concerned cell will oversee garbage collection, disposal of animal carcasses and maintenance of dumping sites. It will also ensure drinking water supply and the upkeep of toilets and bathing facilities throughout the fair.
Lighting Across The Fairgrounds
The Temporary Electrification Cell has been tasked with providing adequate lighting across the fair area. Key locations include Sonepur and Pahleja Ghats, the New Gandak Bridge, Ghurana Bypass Road, the Old Gandak Bridge, Kali Ghat and areas around Hariharnath Temple.
Generators, floodlights, halogen lights and bulbs will be arranged wherever required.
Medical And Veterinary Services
The Medical Cell will establish health camps across the fairgrounds and deploy ambulances for medical emergencies.
Veterinary services will also be arranged for livestock brought to the fair, according to the administration’s preparations.
Police Stations And Security Outposts
Temporary police stations and outposts will be established within the fair area under the Law and Order Cell. Police personnel and magistrates will be deployed at crowded and sensitive locations.
Special surveillance will be maintained around Hariharnath Temple, the two Gandak bridges, the Nakhas area, bathing ghats and Pahleja Ghat.
Separate cells will also oversee exhibitions, stalls and shops, publicity, media coordination, internet media, the souvenir and grievance redressal.
Senior officers heading the cells have been directed to hold meetings, coordinate with concerned departments and ensure that assigned preparations are completed within the stipulated timelines.
