Stage set for Chhath Puja celebrations

GUWAHATI: The Kamrup (Metro) district administration is prepared for Chhath Puja celebrations, which starts from October 26. After chairing a meeting with the puja organizing committees here on Monday, deputy commissioner M Angamuthu said that the administration will provide all possible help. "We will assist them with all necessary support from the administration. We also request the organizers to host the cultural events at Sonaram High School field instead of the river bank," Angamuthu added. Special attention is being provided on crowd management on the river bank. Angamuthu asked all the puja committees to finish their rituals on the river banks by 7.30pm, keeping in mind of the safety of the devotees.

The DC also requested the organizers to employ as many volunteers as possible to assist the devotees and the crowd.

"We will have our officials from different government agencies. But it will be easier for the organizers as well if there are a good number of volunteers to assist the crowd," he added.

District administration officials also said that during the puja days, portions of Mahatma Gandhi Road along the river in some areas will be blocked for vehicular movement. There have been some complaints by the locals of the areas where the puja will take place — like Kachomarighat, Chandrapur, Pandu, Betkuchi, Basistha and Noonmati in the city — that proper lighting facilities are not available. Concerns about security have also been voiced. Responding to this, Angamuthu has asked the Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) to address the issue of lack of proper lighting. "I have asked GMC officials to install additional lights. The issues of security, transportation, drinking water and garbage disposal were also discussed during the meeting," he said.