Agartala Municipal Corporation makes elaborate arrangements for Durga idol immersion at Dashami Ghat

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The Agartala Municipal Corporation has made elaborate arrangements at Dashami Ghat to ensure the smooth and safe immersion of Durga idols during the festival, Mayor Dipak Majumder said on Tuesday.

Majumder made the statement after inspecting Dashami Ghat, the designated site for idol immersion, where the civic body has undertaken improvements to facilitate the process and address difficulties faced during previous years.

He said the municipal corporation, in collaboration with the Smart City Mission, had improved the immersion site by addressing problems related to access, lighting and other infrastructure. The arrangements include paved areas, a crane system and additional manpower to facilitate the immersion of idols.

According to Majumder, idol immersion at the ghat had previously been affected by inadequate infrastructure, difficulties in manoeuvring vehicles and the risk of accidents. The upgraded facilities would allow 10 to 15 idols to be immersed simultaneously, he said.

The civic body has also made arrangements for religious rituals during immersion. Majumder said DJs and sound systems would not be permitted at the venue, adding that the immersion process would be conducted through traditional practices involving conch shells, drums, priests and other religious rituals.

He said the restrictions were intended to prevent noise pollution and maintain order during the proceedings. The mayor added that the civic body had sought the cooperation of Puja organisers and club members in ensuring that the guidelines were followed.

Referring to an accident during Ganesh idol immersion last year, Majumder said a club secretary had sustained serious injuries and was undergoing treatment outside the state. He attributed the incident to the driver's lack of caution and urged Puja committees to ensure that vehicles carrying idols were operated safely.

He said organisers should ensure that drivers were in a fit condition and that vehicles remained under control while approaching the immersion site. The civic body would also monitor the arrangements to minimise the risk of accidents, he added.

Majumder said the municipal corporation would oversee the immersion process from October 21 to October 23, with officials and other personnel deployed to manage the arrangements. He said the main immersion activities would take place at Dashami Ghat, while facilities such as lighting and steps had also been arranged at other immersion sites across the city.

He added that the municipal corporation had four cranes and separate teams of workers to assist with the process. Alternative arrangements would also be available for organisers wishing to follow traditional immersion practices.

The mayor appealed to all clubs and Puja committees to participate in the immersion proceedings in an orderly manner. He also urged them to take part in the scheduled celebrations on October 23, when the ceremonial departure of the Goddess would be observed.

Chief Minister Dr Manik Saha and other ministers, legislators and political leaders were expected to attend the proceedings at Dashami Ghat, Majumder said. He added that the municipal corporation would remain responsible for managing the immersion arrangements until October 23, after which organisers would have to take responsibility for any subsequent immersion activities.

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