Deoghar: In a major crackdown ahead of the State Shravani Mela 2026, the Deoghar Municipal Corporation carried out an extensive anti-encroachment drive near the Interstate Bus Terminal, removing 56 illegally constructed shops from public land and roadside areas.
The civic body said the operation was undertaken to ensure smooth traffic flow, maintain law and order, and create adequate space for the lakhs of devotees expected to visit the temple town during the month-long religious festival.
Municipal officials issued a stern warning to encroachers against reoccupying public land, stating that illegal occupation of government land and roadsides would not be tolerated under any circumstances. The drive has significantly improved traffic movement around the bus terminal while creating additional space for pilgrims and local residents.
The Municipal Corporation said the anti-encroachment campaign would continue until the entire area is cleared of illegal structures. Instructions have already been issued to the concerned officials and police personnel to carry forward the operation in the remaining locations.
Appealing to shopkeepers and residents, the civic body urged them to voluntarily remove encroachments from public spaces and cooperate with the administration in ensuring smooth arrangements during the Shravani Mela.
The drive was conducted under the supervision of City Manager Satish Kumar. Sanitary and Food Inspector Sunil Kumar Mehta, Sanitary Inspector Deepak Kumar Mahto, Home Guard personnel of the Municipal Corporation, and officers from the Traffic Police Station actively participated in the operation.
Reaffirming its commitment to public safety, the Municipal Corporation said that ensuring the safety of devotees, maintaining cleanliness, and facilitating uninterrupted traffic movement remain its highest priorities during Shravani Mela 2026. Similar anti-encroachment drives will continue on major roads, around bus stands, temple premises, and other sensitive locations to ensure that devotees arriving from across India and abroad can visit Deoghar without inconvenience.