Security beefed up for 5-day fair

Guwahati: Keeping in view the scale of congregation during the Ambubachi Mela at Kamakhya Temple atop the Nilachal Hills adjoining the Brahmaputra, the river police here has planned to create a special 'sector' for dedicated vigilance during the festivity.
The annual Ambubachi Mela, to begin on June 22, is expected to draw around 2 million visitors from across the world.
Usually, the river police wing is assigned with the vigilance of sectors 1 and 2, covering key areas from Sualkuchi, the area behind Lokpriya Gopinath Bordoloi International Airport, Sunshali Ghat in Noonmati to the governor's residence.
"We have planned to create a separate 'sector-3' for the festival. This sector will maintain riverine vigilance on the Pandu-Bharalumukh stretch of the river. The sadhus and visitors usually gather on this stretch. There are lodging provisions at various locations near the river on this stretch only," a senior river cop said. One of the biggest such lodging arrangements for the pilgrims has been arranged at the Sonaram HS School playground at Bharalumukh.
The river police have been struggling with acute manpower shortage and lack of updated technological support. But the department will ensure round-the-clock patrolling for the security of pilgrims and visitors.
"Security personnel will be positioned in boats and in various locations by the river banks," the official added.
Sources said the Kamrup (M) administration recently issued a notice to the river police to maintain strict vigil on river transport. The administration order suggested necessary steps for night patrols as well.
"There is an urgent requirement of a floating outpost near the Mahavir park in the middle of the Machkhowa banks for stricter vigilance as the route from the Pandu Ghat takes about an hour to reach Machkhowa," the official said.
On the ground, city police have taken extensive security measures. More than 150 CCTVs were installed and additional forces as well as NCC volunteers will be in place.