City gears up for Ambubachi Mela, dist admin to inspect today
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While the Kamrup (Metro) district administration is slated to conduct an inspection on Monday, officials have confirmed that camps capable of accommodating nearly 20,000 devotees have been set up near the Kamakhya railway station and Pandu ghat, and these will become operational from June 20. Furthermore, medical camps staffed with doctors and essential medicines will be established to cater to the devotees' health needs.
To ensure round-the-clock monitoring and security, about 300 CCTV cameras are being installed in and around the temple premises.
Kabindra Prasad Sarma, the head priest of the temple, said the temple doors will close at 2:56 PM on June 22 and will reopen on the morning of June 26, after the completion of the rituals. With an estimated 25 lakh devotees attending last year, comprehensive preparations are underway to ensure their convenience, he added.
Recognizing the discomfort of walking barefoot in intense heat, approximately 3.5 km of the stretch from the nursery to the temple, as well as parts of the temple premises, will be carpeted. Vehicles will not be permitted on this route and devotees will need to leave their footwear near the nursery.
Tourism minister Ranjit Kumar Dass had previously chaired a meeting with various departments and the temple management committee, where it was decided that, similar to last year, no VIP passes will be issued during the congregation. To ensure the smooth conduct of the event, a budget of Rs 4.55 crore has been allocated.
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