PATNA, June 15 -- The Bihar government will set up four tent cities along the Kanwar route from Sultanganj to Banka district, bordering Jharkhand, to facilitate pilgrims heading to Baba Baidyanath Dham in Deoghar during the upcoming Shravani Mela, which begins on July 11, a tourism department official said on Saturday. Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh convened a meeting with senior department officials and directed them to ensure that the four tent cities-at Abrakha in Banka, Khaira in Munger, and Dhobai and Sultanganj in Bhagalpur-are ready before the start of the month-long festival. "Abrakha tent city is expected to accommodate around 600 devotees (Kanwariyas) at a time, while the other three will have facilities for 200 people each," the official said. Singh also instructed officials to complete the tendering process within the stipulated timeline to ensure timely completion. The over 105-kilometre-long Kawaria route from Sultanganj to Deoghar is one of the most popular pilgrimages for devotees of Lord Shiva during Shravani Mela, with a significant portion of the route passing through Bihar. The state's Road Construction Department is also preparing to cover the walking stretch with fine red sand to make the journey more comfortable for pilgrims. Each tent city will be equipped with essential facilities such as drinking water, toilets, Kanwar stands, electricity, mirrors, and cleanliness provisions. Cultural programs will be organized throughout the fair period. In addition to the tent cities, the department will also install temporary toilets, drinking water kiosks, food stalls, and entertainment facilities along the route - from Baba Ajaibinath Temple to the Bihar-Jharkhand border at Dumma. This year, the department has further decided to extend basic tourist amenities to Kanwariyas from Pahelaja Ghat in Saran to Baba Garibnath Temple in Muzaffarpur. During the review meeting, Tourism Secretary Lokesh Kumar Singh reiterated that Bihar Tourism is committed to promoting Shravani Mela and ensuring basic civic amenities for pilgrims along the Kanwar route. Tourist assistance centres will be established at various locations from Sultanganj to the state border to provide pilgrims with information and support. Arrangements will include Kanwar stands, mobile toilets, permanent rain shelters, improved roads, drinking water, electricity, and sanitation facilities. Special Secretary-cum-Tourism Director Udayan Mishra, Deputy Secretary Indu Kumari, Bihar State Tourism Development Corporation Managing Director Nand Kishore, and General Manager Chandan Chauhan were also present at the meeting....