Dibrugarh’s Durga Puja immersion concluded peacefully on Wednesday after thousands of devotees gathered along roads and riverbanks, with authorities deploying police, civil defence volunteers, rescue teams, CCTV surveillance and traffic controls as the Brahmaputra flowed at a higher level than in previous years.
A total of 111 community pujas were organised across the city, in addition to several smaller celebrations. Idols of Goddess Durga and her entourage were carried in processions to designated immersion points, including Kachhari Ghat near the old SP’s office and Maijan Ghat along the Brahmaputra.
Large crowds began gathering from midday along Mancotta Road, particularly between Thana Chariali and the Phoolbagan traffic point. RKB Road and AT Road also recorded heavy footfall as residents watched the processions, which were accompanied by dhak drums, devotional songs and chants.
The immersion ceremony at Kachhari Ghat began at 12.30pm, with Gyan Dayini Durga Puja being the first to immerse its idols. The process continued until late evening. Officials maintained heightened vigilance at the riverbanks because the Brahmaputra was at a considerably higher level than during previous years, according to the report.
Dibrugarh MLA Prasanta Phukan, district commissioner Bikram Kairi, senior superintendent of police Abhijit Gurav and Dibrugarh Municipal Corporation mayor Saikat Patra supervised the arrangements along with other officials. “The focus was on ensuring the safe and orderly conduct of the immersion processions, given the large turnout of devotees and the high water level of the Brahmaputra,” an official said.
Police personnel, security staff and civil defence volunteers were positioned along the procession routes to regulate traffic, manage crowds and facilitate the movement of vehicles carrying the idols. Rescue boats and divers were stationed at the immersion sites, while National Disaster Response Force and State Disaster Response Force personnel were kept on standby.
The arrangements also included CCTV monitoring and support from municipal corporation staff. Power supply across the city was switched off from noon until the ceremony ended as a precautionary measure. The measure formed part of the wider safety and crowd-management plan around the immersion sites and procession routes.
The coordinated arrangements placed the city’s roads, riverfronts and emergency-response systems under pressure at the same time. Traffic regulation was required along several major roads, while the elevated river level increased the importance of controlled access and rescue preparedness at the ghats. The report did not mention any untoward incident during the immersion.
The conclusion of the festivities in Dibrugarh was part of a wider immersion process across upper Assam. More than 130 idols were immersed at Guijan Ghat in Tinsukia district, where tens of thousands of people gathered along GNB Road. Sivasagar also saw large crowds along the banks of the Dikhow river.
The Dibrugarh immersion concluded after the final processions and ceremonies were completed, with authorities reporting that the event passed off peacefully.
