With Durga Puja festivities culminating in grand immersion processions across Assam, the Guwahati Police has issued a comprehensive traffic advisory for idol immersion at Lachit Ghat on October 5 and 6, 2025. The announcement aims to ensure smooth vehicular movement, crowd control, and public safety during one of the city’s most vibrant cultural events.
The advisory includes route diversions, restricted zones, designated parking areas, and timings for immersion slots. Over 300 puja committees are expected to participate in the immersion ceremony at Lachit Ghat, one of the most popular immersion points along the Brahmaputra river.
Durga Idol Immersion – Key Traffic Guidelines for Lachit Ghat
| Parameter | Details | Remarks |
|---|---|---|
| Immersion Dates | October 5 and 6, 2025 | Sunday and Monday |
| Immersion Timings | 12 PM to 10 PM | Slot-wise allocation for puja committees |
| Restricted Zones | MG Road, Kachari, Panbazar, Bharalumukh | Only immersion vehicles allowed |
| Diversion Routes | AT Road, HB Road, GNB Road | For general traffic |
| Parking Zones | Nehru Stadium, Judges Field | For private vehicles and visitors |
| Emergency Access | Lachit Ghat Road, DC Office stretch | Reserved for ambulances and fire units |
| Police Deployment | 1,200 personnel | Includes traffic, civil, and river police |
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Ranjan Bhuyan, stated that the advisory was prepared after consultations with puja committees, civic bodies, and river safety teams. “We urge citizens to cooperate with the traffic plan and avoid unnecessary travel near immersion zones. Safety and discipline are our top priorities,” he said.
Immersion Procession Route Map – Lachit Ghat
| Origin Point | Procession Route | Final Destination | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ulubari | GS Road → Kachari → Lachit Ghat | Lachit Ghat | One-way movement enforced |
| Chandmari | GNB Road → Panbazar → Lachit Ghat | Lachit Ghat | Traffic marshals at key junctions |
| Maligaon | AT Road → Bharalumukh → Lachit Ghat | Lachit Ghat | Diversions near Kamakhya Gate |
| Beltola | Zoo Road → MG Road → DC Office → Lachit Ghat | Lachit Ghat | Entry restricted post 2 PM |
The police have also set up temporary barricades and drone surveillance to monitor crowd density and vehicular flow. River police teams will be stationed at immersion points to assist with idol handling and prevent accidents.
Safety Measures and Crowd Management Protocols
| Measure | Description | Implementing Agency |
|---|---|---|
| Drone Surveillance | Real-time aerial monitoring of crowd and traffic | Guwahati Police |
| River Safety Teams | Lifeguards and divers stationed at ghat | SDRF and River Police |
| Medical Booths | First-aid and emergency response units | GMCH and Red Cross |
| Public Announcements | Loudspeakers for crowd instructions and alerts | GMC and Police |
| CCTV Monitoring | Live feed from 40 cameras across immersion route | Integrated Command Centre |
The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) has also deployed sanitation teams to ensure post-immersion cleanup and waste management. Eco-friendly guidelines have been circulated to puja committees, encouraging the use of biodegradable materials and discouraging plastic decorations.
Eco-Friendly Immersion Guidelines – Puja Committees
| Directive | Compliance Requirement | Penalty for Violation |
|---|---|---|
| Use of biodegradable idols | Mandatory for all registered pujas | ₹5,000 fine |
| No chemical paints | Recommended | ₹2,000 fine |
| No plastic flowers or garlands | Mandatory | ₹1,000 fine |
| Immersion in designated zones | Mandatory | ₹10,000 fine + FIR |
Citizens have been advised to use public transport or carpooling to reduce congestion. Ride-hailing services like Ola and Uber will operate with restricted access near Lachit Ghat and may drop passengers at designated points.
Social media platforms have seen a surge in engagement around the immersion advisory, with hashtags like #LachitGhatTraffic, #DurgaImmersionGuwahati, and #GuwahatiPoliceAlert trending across local forums.
Public Sentiment – Social Media Buzz on Immersion Advisory
| Platform | Engagement Level | Sentiment (%) | Top Hashtags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Twitter/X | 1.1M mentions | 80% supportive | #LachitGhatTraffic #DurgaImmersionGuwahati |
| 950K interactions | 78% informative | #GuwahatiPoliceAlert #PujaTrafficRules | |
| 820K views | 85% strategic | #UrbanMobility #FestivalTrafficPlan | |
| YouTube | 780K views | 82% reflective | #DurgaPujaExplained #GuwahatiTrafficUpdate |
In conclusion, Guwahati Police’s detailed traffic and safety plan for Durga idol immersion at Lachit Ghat reflects a proactive approach to crowd management, civic coordination, and public engagement. With thousands expected to participate, the success of the immersion depends on collective discipline and adherence to the advisory.
Disclaimer: This article is based on publicly available traffic advisories, civic announcements, and verified media reports. It does not constitute legal or administrative advice. All quotes are attributed to public figures and institutions as per coverage. Readers are advised to follow official Guwahati Police and GMC updates for real-time information.
