Dumka : The district administration has geared up for the month-long Shrawani Mela, which is set to commence on July 26. A large number of pilgrims arrive at Baidyanathdham here each year to pay their obeisance to Lord Shiva.

Santhal Parganas commissioner A K Pandey presided over a high-level inter-state meeting on July 23 to chalk out plans for smooth conduct of the Shrawani Mela. Those who attended the meeting included the commissioners of Munger and Bhagalpur, IGs of Munger, Bhagalpur and Santhal Parganas and other senior officials.

It was decided at the meeting that the officials of Bihar and Jharkhand will coordinate with each other to ensure that the pilgrims do not face any difficulty during the month-long Shrawani Mela.

The Santhal Parganas commissioner told mediapersons that the flow of pilgrims would be regulated inside the temple to avoid any stampede-like situation. He said that pilgrims standing in queues would be frequently informed on public address system regarding the rush inside the temple.

"Such a measure is necessary to avoid any stampede-like situation inside the temple. Besides, the administration will also keep a tight vigil on the temple premises to keep anti-social elements at bay," the commissioner said.