GUWAHATI, June 20 � With just a day left for the Ambubachi Mela, devotees from across the country of different age groups and backgrounds have started flocking at the Nilachal Hills, the abode of the goddess Kamakhya. Till Sunday, more than 1.5 lakh pilgrims arrived here and were sheltered in the pandals set up for their accommodation.
The secretary of the Kamakhya Devuttar Board, Navakanta Sarma informed that an equal number of devotees had set up camp in the areas nearby Kamakhya.
�All the arrangements have been completed and we are ready for the Mela,� said Sarma.
It needs to be mentioned here that the Board has set up eight big and small pandals for the accommodation of the pilgrims atop the hill. Many other pilgrims especially the ascetics prefer to stay at Bhootnath and their presence could be seen at the crematorium ground.
On the other hand, for water and sanitation, the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has installed temporary taps and constructed temporary latrines.
�The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has installed 100 temporary taps, constructed 100 temporary latrines,� said Sarma adding the work of electrification has been completed.
In view of the growing number of pilgrims, more ASTC buses will be plyed from Kachari bus stop to Kamakhya during the Mela this year. Sarma mentioned that 10 ASTC buses will be pressed into service.
To attend to the health related matters of the pilgrims, the Guwahati Medical College Hospital (GMCH) will provide round the clock service from June 21 to 27.
In order to maintain discipline amongst the pilgrims, the Board will have 200 of its volunteers in action apart from the NCC, Scout and Guide.
Sarma said that every measure has been adopted to maintain law and order during the Ambubachi days and more than 18 close circuit cameras will be installed in the area.
