GUWAHATI, June 19 � The Tourism department and the Kamrup Metro district administration has chalked out an elaborate plan for the forthcoming Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple which is expected to attract around ten lakh pilgrims.
Speaking to reporters today, Kamrup Metro Deputy Commissioner Dr M Angamuthu said the Ambubachi Mela will begin at 12.50 am on June 23 and the time for opening of the Temple (Nibriti time) is 1.15 pm on June 26.
�We expect 10 lakh devotees to congregate for the Ambubachi Mela this year. In view of this, we have made necessary arrangements for successful conclusion of the Mela,� Dr Angamuthu said.
Around eight lakh pilgrims have converged in the city during last year�s Ambubachi Mela.
The DC said that the entire area for the Mela, including the rest camps, have been divided into five zones, which have further been divided into sectors.
Each zone will be looked after by a team headed by one Additional Deputy Commissioner and assisted by senior officials from various departments. The administration said that steps have been taken to ensure uninterrupted power supply, sufficient lighting, supply of drinking water and toilets, proper crowd and vehicular traffic management and cleanliness and hygiene.
Four camps have been set up for pilgrims at Naharbari, Sonaram Field, Kamakhya Railway Station and Old Pandu Railway Station.
�We have arranged for 500 toilets. Besides police, there will be 690 volunteers from civil defence, Scouts and Guides and Red Cross. There will be 1,500 safai karmacharis,� said the DC.
From June 22 to June 27, vehicles without proper passes will not be allowed into the Nilachal Hill.
�We will provide ferry bus services from ASTC. At least 60 buses will be pressed into service to the Temple from various locations. Even VIPs and officials will be taken to the Temple in ferry cars,� Angamuthu said.
The administration has allotted 16 bhandars for providing food in specific locations.
Angamuthu said last year there was mismanagement in food distribution and so this year steps have been taken so that food items are distributed only after safety inspection.
Provision has been made for CCTVs and river patrolling will be done round-the-clock by River Police and NDRF teams stationed at Pandu and behind Sonaram Field.
A control room has been set up at the DC�s office and help desks will be set up at all the camps and at the Temple premises, the DC added.