GUWAHATI, May 30 - The Kamrup Metro district administration and all other line departments have geared up to organise the upcoming Ambubachi Mela on the Kamakhya Temple premises from June 22 to 26.
During the Ambubachi Mela last year, around 30 lakh footfalls were recorded at the revered Shaktipeeth, and the management committee of the temple are hopeful that this year, too, the increasing trend of devotees during the festival will continue.
Sources in the district administration have informed that the rules and restrictions over plying of vehicles and movement of devotees in and around the temple during the festival days will be stricter this time. No procession will be allowed during those days in and around the area.
This time, the district administration will set up altogether six rest camps for the devotees coming from outside the city. These camps will be set up at the Kamakhya Railway Station, the Pandu Railway Station, Naharbari, Baripara and the Old Jail campus.
The administration may set up another rest camp on the Sonaram Higher Secondary School playground, if required, the source added.
This time, the district administration will work as a facilitator and coordinator among various line departments and select Bhandaras for this festival, while the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) will ensure overall cleanliness, in the city in general and the Mandir premises and the camps in particular, during the Mela days.
Keeping in view the likelihood of another huge congregation of pilgrims on the Nilachal Hill, the GMC will take necessary measures to ensure continuous water supply during the Mela.
The Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) will take measures to illuminate all the roads leading to the temple as well as the camps. The district administration has directed the GMDA to also ensure that the foot overbridge at Maligaon remains in good condition to be able to bear the heavy load of people during the period.
During the Mela days, the Joint Director of Health Services of Kamrup Metro will deploy medical teams with adequate numbers of doctors and paramedics at the camps and the temple premises, along with temporary sheds to be set up on the stretch of road from the foothill to the temple.
Prior to the festival, the Guwahati Police Commissionerate will install CCTV cameras in all the required points and also prepare a comprehensive traffic management plan.
On the other hand, the Assam Tourism Development Corporation (ATDC) will carry out all kinds of promotional activities, including erection of hoardings, banners, etc. It will also set up helpdesks for devotees at the railway stations, the airport, along with other vital locations.
