Abrakha Kanwariya Path (Banka), Aug. 21: State public health and engineering minister Ashwani Kumar Choubey organised a “kanwariya darbar” at Abrakha government dharmasala, located some 38km from Banka district headquarters.

The darbar was called to assess the work done by different departments to facilitate the journey of kanwariyas on the kanwaria path during ongoing Shravani mela.

A large number of kanwariyas, both men and women, and district officials were present at the darbar.

Most kanwariyas complained that their journey, which they start barefoot, became more difficult due to “non-performing government agencies”.

A number of pilgrims also appreciated the government’s efforts for opening the alternative kaccha kanwariya path which reduced their journey to Deoghar, the destination of Kanwariyas, by over 15 kms. Earlier, pilgrims had to travel 110kms to reach Deoghar from Sultanganj.

Some kanwariyas, along with members of voluntary organisations who set up camps for the pilgrims, complained about the poor power supply on the entire stretch of the kanwariya path, falling under the Banka district.

Dilip Kumar Choudhury, assistant engineer, Bihar state electricity board, who was also present at the meeting, said that the 33/11 KV power substation, Jasidih, Jharkhand, failed to provide the required power supply.

Addressing the kanwariyas, Choubey said that the state government is focussed on providing basic facilities to the kanwariyas.

According to Choubey, the government is also planning to promote the mela as a national fair.