The annual Shravani mela in Deoghar, originally slated to begin in the first week of July, seems to be headed for a no-show because of the pandemic, and the district administration is now keen to ensure that devotes do not end up thronging the Baba Baidyanathdham temple to offer puja in violation of lockdown norms.

There has been no official word on it as yet, but on Friday, Deoghar deputy commissioner Nancy Sahay held an meeting with key stakeholders, including temple officials, leading to speculation that the inevitable was about to be announced.

With restrictions on religious activities in force till June 30 in Jharkhand, sources in the Deoghar district administration have conceded that this year’s annual fair and pilgrimage is unlikely, something that hasn’t happened in decades.

Every year, the fair draws lakhs of devotees from across the country to the famed Deoghar temple, home to one of the 12 jyotirlingas.

Sahay said, “With both the state and central governments not issuing any orders for religious activities so far, we are readying back-up plans to ensure maintenance of total law and order in the district in the event of a cancellation.”

Five check-posts have been set up at strategic locations around the main temple where magistrates and officials will keep 24/7 vigil to prevent anyone from entering the temple for puja. “The check-posts have already become functional. Their numbers will be increased depending on need,” she said.

This apart, drop-gates have been put up on roads leading to the temple and Shivganga (pond) as a precautionary measure to divert vehicles bound for the two venues till restrictions are in place.

“Officials are manning these gates in three shifts. Our focus is to prevent any kind of congregation or crowding anywhere around the temple, or on roads leading to it as per government advisories,” the deputy commissioner said.

She said that soon a three-tier security measure would be in place for overall maintenance of law and order. “No heavy vehicles will be allowed to enter the town area. These will be diverted to their destinations from bordering areas. Visitors entering the state from other places will also be made to take diversions so that they do not enter the city. Lastly, all roads leading to temple will be out of bounds for people,” she explained.