Ranchi, July 26: Jharkhand has put in place an extensive technology-driven security network, including AI-based drones, face recognition cameras and the deployment of around 11,500 police personnel, for the month-long Shravani Mela 2026 beginning on July 30 in Deoghar and Dumka districts.
The annual pilgrimage, which draws an estimated 35-40 lakh devotees from across India and abroad, sees pilgrims offering prayers at the Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple in Deoghar and the Baba Basukinath Dham in Dumka during the holy month of Shravan.
Officials said more than 100 police outposts have been established in and around Deoghar city, while thousands of CCTV cameras, AI-enabled face recognition cameras and AI-based drone surveillance systems have been installed to strengthen security.
“We have set up 100 outposts in and around Deoghar city. Thousands of CCTV cameras have been installed. AI-based drone surveillance will be used to strengthen aerial security. AI-based face recognition cameras have also been installed in and around the temple,” Deoghar Superintendent of Police Praveen Pushkar said.
He said over 1,200 security personnel would be deployed around the Baba Baidyanath Dham Temple, while an AI-integrated Mela Control Room has been established to monitor the event.
“We are ensuring hi-tech security arrangements through AI-integrated equipment. An AI-based integrated mela control room has been set up. A chatbot for information, feedback and helpline, an AI-based Traffic Management System, and high-quality ANPR (Automatic Number Plate Recognition) cameras have been installed,” Pushkar added.
To reinforce security, three companies of the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), the Rapid Action Force (RAF), two teams of Jharkhand Jaguar, bomb detection and disposal squads, and National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) teams at Shivganga pond have also been deployed.
Preparations at Baba Basukinath Dham in Dumka have entered the final phase, with authorities making arrangements for health services, drinking water, electricity, sanitation, security, CCTV and drone surveillance, as well as lost-and-found centres for devotees.
“Comprehensive arrangements are being ensured for health, drinking water, electricity, sanitation, security, CCTV and drone surveillance, a lost-and-found centre, and other facilities for smooth darshan of Baba Basukinath,” Dumka Deputy Commissioner Abhijeet Sinha said.
Reviewing preparations on Saturday, Jharkhand Tourism Minister Sudivya Kumar directed officials to complete all pending works by July 28 to ensure seamless arrangements before the fair begins.
“The month-long state Shravani Mela-2026, scheduled from July 30, will be organised with pomp and gaiety. All preparations in the entire mela area and all facilities for the devotees must be fully completed by July 28,” Kumar said.
The minister also announced that out-of-turn darshan for VIPs and VVIPs would remain completely banned during the fair to ensure equal access and convenience for devotees.
“To ensure the convenience and safety of devotees during the fairs, out-of-turn darshan for VIP and VVIPs will remain completely banned,” he said.
Officials said a final review of preparations in Deoghar and Dumka will be conducted on July 29. The Jharkhand and Bihar administrations are also working in close coordination to ensure the smooth and safe conduct of one of eastern India’s largest annual religious gatherings.
