Major Step by Administration for Dak Bam Kanwariyas in Shravani Mela; Number of Kanwariyas to Be Printed on All Slips, with Emergency Helpline Details on the Back
BHAGALPUR/SULTANGANJ: During the world-famous Shravani Mela, the district administration appears fully proactive regarding the security, convenience, and smooth journey of Shiva devotees (Kanwariyas) arriving from every corner of the country. Among all pilgrims, the journey of 'Dak Bam' Kanwariyas—who complete the arduous trek at a high, unbroken pace to offer water to Baba Baidyanath within a stipulated timeframe—is the most intense. To make the journey of Dak Bam Kanwariyas more organized, safe, and transparent, the Bhagalpur and Banka district administrations have taken a highly significant and commendable decision. This time, the exact count of Kanwariyas will be printed on all Dak Bam slips, and emergency numbers along with essential guidelines will be printed on the reverse side of the slip.
The Dak Bam Journey and the Need for a New Administrative System
For Dak Bam Kanwariyas, who cover the grueling foot journey of approximately 105 kilometers from the Uttarvahini Ganga ghat in Sultanganj to the Baba Baidyanath temple in Deoghar, every moment and minute counts. These Kanwariyas travel at a much faster pace compared to ordinary pilgrims and complete their journey without taking breaks.
In previous years, the process of issuing Dak Bam slips occasionally faced minor inconveniences and crowding issues related to management. Sometimes, it was unclear how many Kanwariyas were traveling together in a group, or how to contact them in an emergency. To eliminate these practical difficulties and ensure foolproof security measures, the administration has modified the very format of the Dak Bam slips this year.
Benefits of Printing the Number of Kanwariyas on the Slip
Under the new system, every Dak Bam slip issued from the counter will clearly display the total number of Kanwariyas accompanying the respective group or individual. This will yield several major benefits:
Transparency and Control: Police forces, magistrates, and administrative officials deployed along the route will have precise information on how many members belong to a particular group. This will eliminate any possibility of unauthorized entry or crowd congestion.
Seamless Movement: Kanwariyas will not be required to verbally state their group count repeatedly at various checkpoints along the route. Seeing the printed slip, security personnel will immediately facilitate their onward path.
Facility Management: This data will also significantly assist the administrative machinery in estimating the deployment of drinking water, health camps, and security forces, as they will know the volume of Dak Bam batches moving through specific time intervals.
Emergency Services and Helpline Numbers Printed on the Back
The most sensitive and commendable aspect of this system is that important information and helpline numbers to handle emergency situations are being printed on the back side of the Dak Bam slip.
Initiative for Instant Assistance: During the Dak Bam journey, extreme fatigue, dehydration, or other health complications frequently arise. In such cases, if any Kanwariya or their group requires immediate medical or administrative aid, they will not have to wander around searching for help.
Important Numbers and Instructions: Helpline numbers associated with the district control room, medical teams, ambulance services, police assistance booths, and disaster management will be recorded on the back of the slip. Additionally, brief instructions on immediate steps to take in the event of any mishap or accident will also be featured.
Better Coordination Between Administration and Kanwariyas
Administrative officials state that ensuring the life and property safety of Kanwariyas during the Shravani Mela is their top priority. The pace of Dak Bam Kanwariyas is so rapid that establishing communication with them is often difficult. In such scenarios, the slip will act as a medium of technology and information that proves invaluable during crises.
The local Panda community and Kanwariya associations have also warmly appreciated this administrative step. They believe such administrative reforms will not only make the journey safer but will also send a positive message to devotees nationwide that the government is entirely sensitive to their every need.
A Step Toward a Safe and Smooth Shravani Journey
The decision to print the number of Kanwariyas on Dak Bam slips and include emergency numbers on the back during the Shravani Mela is an exceptional blend of modern technology and human empathy. This initiative testifies that the district administration is fully committed to making this year's mela entirely secure and historic without any lapses. When Kanwariyas set out on their rigorous Dak journey this time, they will carry not just a vessel of holy water, but a robust administrative shield of security and trust.
