Patna: Bihar tourism department is making several innovations this time during the Shrawani Mela to make the journey from Sultanganj to Deoghar smooth. The month-long Kanwar Yatra is beginning from tomorrow and ending on August 19.
The department has set up four tent cities at different locations on the route from Sultanganj to Deoghar.

Tourism minister Nitish Mishra, while interacting with mediapersons here on Saturday, said the department is taking many new and scientific steps to make the journey of the kanwariyas convenient and smooth.“About three months back, we had sent four teams of senior officers to get first-hand information of the problems faced by the pilgrims on the route,” said Mishra, adding, the feedback from the officers visit was incorporated to remove the shortcomings.
Talking about the various facilities on the Kanwar route, the minister said sufficient number of signage is being used this time for devotees’ convenience. “For the first time we have also installed special cameras that would count pilgrims at entry and exit points with an aim to know the actual footfall,” he said, adding, nearly 75 lakh pilgrims visited last year and it is expected that the numbers would go up this time.
Mishra further said that attempts would be made to make the kanwariya route tobacco and plastic free. “Tobacco affects our health and plastic damages the environment and we need to spread the message to avoid their usage,” he said.
Abhay Kumar Singh, secretary of state tourism department, speaking on the occasion said the pilgrims can call on round-the-clock toll free number in case of any emergency or help. “Our senior officers will monitor these calls to ensure that immediate and timely help reaches the needy,” he said.

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