KHULNA, Nov 13, 2024 (BSS) -The authorities of the Department of Forest (West) has taken special security measures at Alorkol in Dublar Char near the Sundarbans ahead of the Rash Purnima Puja (Holy Bath), scheduled to begin on November 14 (tomorrow).

The three-day 'Rash Purnima Puja' will end on November 16.

Alongside taking other measures, the authorities have imposed a ban on carrying all kinds of meat except chicken, fireworks and explosives, any domestic weapons and firearms.

The Forest Department has designated five water routes for devotees heading to Dublar Char in the Sundarbans to participate in the Rash Mela.

The routes are: Burigoalini-Kobadak rivers to Dublar Char via Batulanadi-Balnadi-Patkoshta-Hongshoraj, Koyra-Kashiabad-Khashitana-Bojboja via Arua Shibsa-Shibsa river-Marjat, Naliyan Station to Dublar Char via Shibsa-Marjat river, Dangmari-Chandpai station via Teenkona Dwip to Dublar Char, and Bogi-Baleswar-Supoti-Kachikhali station then to Dublar Char crossing Shelar Char.

The Hindu devotees who also participate in Rash Purnima Puja (Holy Bath) will have to pay an entry fee and no one will be allowed to move during night time, said Forest Department officials.

"We had a meeting with the Bagerhat district administration to stop poaching of deer at any cost during the Puja period," said Md Sarwar Alam, Divisional Forest Officer (West Division) of the Sundarbans, adding that the pilgrims will have to travel at five selected points during day time. Use of loudspeakers, any electronic device and carrying of firearms and ammunitions and travelling at night are completely prohibited, he said.

All preparations have been completed to celebrate the Rash Purnima Puja, he said, adding that the Rash Purnima Puja Committee has been asked to monitor deer hunting during the festival.

"Alongside the Rapid Action Battalion, Coast Guard and Bangladesh Navy and Patrol teams of the forest department will have to work for the protection of the pilgrims in Pashur, Shewla, Bhola and Shibsa rivers from November 14 to 16," he said.