Patna: With lakhs of pilgrims expected to visit Gaya and Punpun for the annual Pitripaksha Mela from Sept 25 to Oct 10, chief secretary Pratyaya Amrit on Monday directed officials to ensure foolproof arrangements, including sanitation, drinking water, healthcare, power supply and security.Chairing a high-level review meeting convened by the revenue and land reforms department, Amrit said the fortnight-long event was not just a religious gathering but also a reflection of Bihar’s cultural and spiritual heritage. He warned officials against any laxity in arrangements and called for seamless coordination among departments.The Gaya district administration has sought Rs 4.21 crore for organising the mela, while Patna district has requested Rs 41 lakh. During the meeting, Gaya DM presented a detailed action plan covering traffic regulation, security arrangements, pilgrim shelters, ghat cleanliness and civic infrastructure.Amrit directed 14 departments, including home, tourism, urban development, PHED, health, transport, road construction, energy and disaster management, to work in close coordination to ensure smooth conduct of the event.With a large number of devotees expected from across the country and abroad to perform pind daan, the administration is also strengthening transport arrangements. Officials said special coordination has been established with the East Central Railway’s DDU division for operation of special trains and enhanced passenger amenities at key railway stations.The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the DGP, revenue and land reforms secretary, principal secretaries of concerned departments, and the district magistrates of Gaya and Patna.
