Kamrup (Metropolitan) District Administration issues guidelines for Chhath Puja

In a meeting held by the administration with the Chhath puja committees with the senior police personnel and other concerned authorities, various decisions were taken for the upcoming Chhath puja and for organizing it smoothly because of Covid-19.

According to the guidelines released, wearing masks and maintaining social distance continues to be mandatory in all places.

Not more than five members of a family will be allowed to perform the rituals at a time.

Apart from the religious rituals all the cultural programs and mela have been cancelled this year.

Puja committees have to take prior permission from the concerned ADCs before organizing the pujas.

The Inland Water Transport Department (IWTD) has been asked to restrict the movement of private boats and ferries during puja. Rescue boats would be on standby in case of any mishap.

Because of the ongoing pandemic, no substantial decorations or pandals have been permitted this year.

Both the APDCL and the Chhath puja committees have been asked to provide proper unhindered lighting during the celebration.

The use of plastics and thermocol has also been restricted by the district administration and the committees have been asked to cooperate with GMC in cleaning the puja sites after the rituals are over.

Every Chhath puja site has been asked to mandatorily have medical professionals and ambulances ready for an emergency. The health department of Assam has also been asked to provide the needful.

Biswajit Pegu, Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Kamrup (M) has also asked all the concerned departments such as the fire brigade, police, SDRF, NDRF to be ready in case any untoward situation arises.

This year Chhath puja will be held at Brahmaputra riverfront (Uzan Bazar to Bharalumukh), Sunsali, Pandu ghat, Maligoan Railway stadium, Birubari fishery, Basistha, Lalmati, Khanapara Farmgate, Hatigoan, Jyotikuchi, Narengi, Pathar Quarry, Narengi, Azara, and Chandrapur.

Many states have imposed a ban on the celebration of Chhath puja this year due to the ongoing pandemic.