High alert along India-Nepal border for last Somwari

Bettiah: Security has been tightened at Valmikinagar in West Chamaparn district for the last Shrawan Somwari, as thousands of devotees are expected to visit Koleshwar Temple, Jatashankar Dham and other religious sites during the annual Shrawan Mela.

The Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) has placed all border outposts along the India-Nepal border on high alert and intensified surveillance in the area.

SSB 21st Battalion commandant Tapeshwar Sambit Raut visited Valmiki Ashram, Jatashankar Temple, Koleshwar Temple, Triveni Ghat and other key locations in Valmikinagar on Sunday evening to review security arrangements.

During the inspection, he interacted with personnel and instructed them to ensure the smooth movement and safety of devotees while maintaining strict vigil against any suspicious activity along the border.

“Comprehensive security arrangements have been made in the border area and at all mela venues. The SSB’s relief and rescue team and medical unit have been kept on 24-hour alert to deal with any emergency,” Raut said.

He added that personnel had been deployed at strategic locations to facilitate crowd management and ensure the fair is conducted in a safe and peaceful manner.

The Triveni Sangam of the Gandak river in Valmikinagar, located along the Indo-Nepal border, has already started witnessing a steady influx of devotees ahead of the final Monday of the holy month of Sawan.

Swarn Singh, a devotee from Ramnagar, said pilgrims have been arriving since Sunday morning to collect holy water from the Sangam. “Devotees first offer jalabhishek at Jatashankar and Koleshwar temples inside the Valmiki Tiger Reserve and then carry the water to Shiva temples in Ramnagar and other places,” he said.

With footfall expected to rise sharply on Monday and given the sensitivity of the border region, the SSB has further strengthened security measures. Officials said the force is fully prepared to ensure the mela passes off peacefully and without any untoward incident.