The state government of Jharkhand has announced immediate discontinuation of VIP or VVIP out-of-turn darshan during the State-run Shravani Mela 2026 to ensure smooth and convenient pilgrimage for devotees.
This was stated by Jharkhand minister Sudivya Kumar on Saturday the 25th of July 2026 while chairing a review meeting on preparations for the annual pilgrimage at the Deoghar Circuit House.
Sudivya Kumar directed officials to complete all arrangements before the commencement of the month-long fair from 30th of July to 28th of August.
The minister said all departments will ensure that infrastructure and public facilities are fully operational by the 28th of July 2026 so that devotees can perform jalarpan safely and without inconvenience.
The minister said accommodation facilities at all tent cities would be expanded and improved while adding that concerned officials have been directed to increase the number of mist cooling systems, Indra Varsha sprinklers, drinking water points, toilets and bathing facilities across the fair area in view of the expected rush and prevailing weather conditions.
The state government in an attempt to improve grievance redressal, Kumar said a QR code-based feedback system had been developed to enable devotees to report problems directly to the district administration for prompt resolution.
Reviewing departmental preparedness, he directed officials to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply, sanitation, waste management, road lighting, health services, security arrangements and alternative power systems during the fair.
The minister also asked Deoghar district authorities and National Highways officials to work in coordination to ensure smooth movement of pilgrims between Deoghar and Basukinath.
Officials informed the meeting that several technology-driven systems would be deployed during the fair, including an AI-based integrated mela control room, AI-enabled surveillance cameras, AI-based traffic management, facial recognition cameras, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, AI-enabled drones, QR code-based complaint management, location-based attendance systems and a digital pavilion.
