Gaya: Gaya district administration has stepped up preparations for the world-famous Pitripaksh Mela Mahasangam-2026, scheduled to be held from Sept 25 to Oct 10 this year.District magistrate Shashank Shubhankar, who chaired a review meeting on Saturday, assessed the progress of road and drain repairs, sanitation and publicity arrangements for the annual event. He directed officials to complete a joint inspection of roads, drains and civic infrastructure in the mela area within the next five days.The DM has constituted dedicated cells for various aspects of the mela, including sanitation, infrastructure and publicity. Each cell has been assigned senior nodal officers, supporting officials and social workers to ensure timely execution of the preparations.Emphasising the need to provide international-standard facilities, the DM instructed officials to outsource sanitation services to a professional agency with experience in managing large-scale events. He said agencies that have previously handled mega gatherings such as the Maha Kumbh should be given preference and asked officials to expedite the tendering process so that the sanitation system is fully operational before the mela.He also directed Gaya Municipal Corporation officials to launch a special drive to remove illegal cattle sheds and stray animals from roads within the mela area to ensure hassle-free movement of pilgrims.“The administration aims to organise a clean, safe and well-managed mela through the coordinated efforts of govt departments, public representatives, social organisations and local residents, ensuring better facilities and smoother arrangements for the lakhs of devotees expected to visit Gaya during the event,” the DM said.He appealed to residents, social workers and other stakeholders to offer suggestions for improving the management of the mela.
