Ambubachi Mela and Security Concerns

Ambubachi Mela and Security Concerns

Ambubachi Mela and Security Concerns

The Assam government is leaving no stone unturned in making the Ambubachi Mela, beginning June 22 next at Kamakhya in Guwahati, a grand affair. This four-day mega-religious congregation, held since ages at the shaktipeeth temple, is also popularly known as the ‘Mahakumbh of the East’. Last year, it witnessed approximately 17 lakh devotees from across the country and as well as abroad.

This annual festival takes place under the supervision of the Kamrup (Metro) administration and in coordination with the Ambubachi Mela Parichalana Samiti. But amidst all the preparations, this year, something troubling all of us is the safety aspect during the celebration. It has been reported by various media houses that security threat at the Kamakhya temple has increased considerably. And considering the efforts of the Assam government, a bigger crowd of devotees is expected this year.

Therefore, in order to make the congregation safer, I would like to suggest to the district administration to introduce a procedure called “biometric registration”. This technology will enable the administration to identify every person by the information he/she gives to the authorities concerned. After the unfortunate flood in Kedarnath where the government was unable to locate and identify most of the victims due to lack of information, the Uttarakhand government has adopted a biometric registration for its Chardham devotees.

Biometric registration can be done both online and offline. For online registration, devotees will be required to submit their phone numbers along with any one of their identification details such ID card, PAN card, Aadhar Card, Passport etc. For offline registration, the administration can select important areas like railway stations, airports, bus stations and others for the convenience of devotees.

Such biometric registration should be made mandatory for all the devotees who will be residing at the Nilachal Hills in and around Kamakhya Temple during the four-day event.

Ritika Das,

Rehabari, Guwahati-8.

Top Headlines

No stories found.
Sentinel Assam
www.sentinelassam.com