Guwahati, 15 June: Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday urged pilgrims to avoid visiting Kamakhya Temple at night during the Ambubachi Mela due to the ongoing construction of the Maligaon flyover.
This comes after the chief minister set a deadline for the flyover’s completion since it has generated significant traffic congestion since construction began and a number of accidents have also been reported.
The residents of the Maligaon area are worried about the potential for severe traffic congestion as Guwahati prepares to celebrate the Ambubachi Mela. This is because an order was issued directing workers to continue work on the Maligaon flyover between the hours of 10 pm and 5 am. If visitors come to the temple within the designated construction hours, the work may be delayed to ensure everyone’s safety.
Speaking to the reporters, CM Sarma said, “I would like to urge the devotees not to visit Kamakhya Temple during Ambubachi Mela at night likely they used to visit in the previous years as it may lead to huge traffic congestion. Also, no rituals are performed at night so I would like to request not to visit during that time keeping in view of the ongoing construction works for the flyover.”
Chief minister has also stated that sadhus are being asked to refrain from gathering in large numbers, much to how it was done during the COVID-19 outbreak.
It should be noted that on Tuesday, there was an accident in the Maligaon area when an iron shuttering slab fell from above on two individuals who were standing underneath a flyover project that was still under construction, seriously injuring them.
Following the tragedy, Chief Minister gave the officials stern instructions to observe to safety protocols and to complete the Maligaon flyover by July 31, 2023 and the Zoo Road flyover by August 31, 2023.