Dibrugarh ramps up safety measures for Chhath celebrations

Dibrugarh: The Dibrugarh district administration is leaving no stone unturned to ensure safe celebrations as thousands of devotees prepare to gather along the Brahmaputra riverbanks for Chhath Puja on Oct 27.

Extensive preparations are underway at approved ghats along the Brahmaputra, with workers engaged in cleaning, installing safety infrastructure, and illuminating the sacred sites.Chhath Puja, also known as Dala Chhath or Surya Shashti, is an ancient Hindu festival dedicated to worshipping Surya, the Sun God. The festival holds deep religious significance and annually attracts massive crowds and devotees to the Brahmaputra riverbank in Dibrugarh, who offer prayers to the rising sun while standing in water.On Saturday, the district administration convened a crucial review meeting to finalise preparations for the upcoming festivities. Chaired by Biraj Baruah, additional district commissioner (administration), the meeting brought together various departments and puja committees to coordinate efforts focused on safety, hygiene, and crowd management.“The district administration is fully committed to ensuring a peaceful and safe Chhath Puja.

All departments have been assigned clear responsibilities to make the festival organised and hazard-free,” Baruah said after the meeting.Several restrictions have been imposed this year to prevent overcrowding and sound pollution. The use of DJ music and firecrackers near puja sites has been completely banned. Only devotional songs will be allowed within permissible sound limits. The meeting also distributed specific responsibilities among various departments and agencies.

The PWD has been tasked with erecting safety barricades and leveling the riverbanks for safe access.The Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation and APDCL will handle lighting and electrification at the ghats to ensure adequate illumination during evening and early morning rituals. The health department will set up temporary medical camps and emergency response teams at major ghats. Additionally, the District Disaster Management Authority will deploy NDRF and SDRF personnel along with lifeguards to monitor the riverfront and tackle any emergencies.Workers have already begun cleaning the designated areas and installing safety barricades at approved ghats. The illumination work is progressing steadily to create a sacred ambience while ensuring visibility and safety for devotees who will perform rituals during early morning and evening hours.