GUWAHATI, June 6 � The State Tourism Department has made an elaborate plan for organising the Ambubachi Mela at the famous Kamakhya Temple atop the Nilachal Hillock here. The plan will be executed by the Kamrup (Metro) district administration.
The Kamakhya Ambubachi Mela, which is a popular religious festival of the Hindus, is scheduled to commence this year from the noon of June 22 and it will continue till the morning of June 26.
Sources in the Tourism Department told this newspaper that in connection with the Mela, several departments, including the Public Works (Building) Department, Public Health Engineering Department and Police Department have submitted their respective proposals. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has also submitted its proposals in this connection.
The Police Department has proposed to install Close Circuit TVs at many points to ensure proper security at the Mela area.
The total estimate received from these departments for implementing their proposals is around Rs 1 crore, sources said.
The Tourism Department has laid emphasis on maintaining hygiene and cleanliness around the temple, and also in the temporary camps being set up to shelter the pilgrims.
The four temporary shelters planned for the purpose of sheltering the pilgrims will be located near the Kamakhya Railway Station, near the Pandughat, at the Sonaram Playground and at Naharbari atop the Nilachal Hillock. Langars will also be set up at the camps for providing food to the pilgrims.
Moreover, around 40 to 50 buses will also be pressed into service to carry the pilgrims between Sonaram Playground and Kamakhya Temple area.
According to a rough estimate, between 3 lakh and 4.5 lakh pilgrims visit the Mela site every year. From this year a scientific census, to assess the actual number of the pilgrims, will be undertaken.
