Actress Aimee Baruah checks out a phulam gamosa at Rongali Mela on Saturday evening . Pictures by UB Photos

April 7: Anticipation for the upcoming festivities has made residents and localities here come alive.

As Bihu geet reverberates in the background, ethnic food festivals, handloom and textile fairs and small Bihu celebrations are common features this time of the year. But sadly, instances of drink driving, road accidents and brawls are equally commonplace.

No wonder, while the plethora of Bihu committees around the city are busy organising Bihu xanmilans, and the dhulias and nasonis are practising dance moves, the Kamrup (metro) district administration and city police are gearing up to ensure that the festivities pass off without a hiccup.

It is also mandatory for all Bihu committees to seek permission from the district administration to hold any cultural event.

Kamrup (metro) deputy commissioner Ashutosh Agnihotri said, “Different Bihu committees have approached us for permission to hold Bihu xanmilans and other cultural programmes. We grant permission after taking into consideration different aspects like where the programme will be held, what type of programme it will be and for how many days it will be held. We have also strictly instructed the organisers of different Bihu xanmilans to take all measures to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during these programmes.”

The district administration has also instructed these organisers to keep the surroundings of the venues clean by not allowing people to litter the area.

Police personnel will also be deployed in different localities to manage the crowds and maintain law and order.

Senior superintendent of police (city) A.P. Tiwari said, “We get the list of Bihu xanmilans from the district administration. We will deploy policemen at different Bihu xanmilan venues to manage the crowd and keep a look out for any law and order problems. The number of police personnel will depend on the vulnerability of an area. While some areas may be prone to commotion, requiring deployment of more policemen, some areas could be relatively peaceful.”

“We will also use breath analysers to check the amount of alcohol in a driver’s body to prevent instances of drink driving. Those found driving under the influence of alcohol will be fined and penalised. The police will also remain vigilant against people flouting traffic norms during the festivities,” Tiwari said.