Picnic season has returned to Guwahati, with popular spots in and around the city witnessing large weekend crowds since the New Year. Families, students, and office groups have begun their annual winter outings, a trend that usually continues till Magh Bihu.
From Deepor Beel to the riverbanks of Uzanbazar, familiar picnic scenes have reappeared across Guwahati, but concerns over safety and emergency preparedness continue to linger.
Picnic spots in and around Guwahati are drawing heavy crowds as the winter outing season begins. While places like Deepor Beel and Uzanbazar are bustling with visitors, safety arrangements on the ground remain unclear, with many picnic-goers unaware of emergency support or official guidelines.
Picnic Buzz Returns to Guwahati
Bamboo tents, makeshift kitchens, disposable plates, and groups gathered around portable stoves now dot several picnic locations around Guwahati. Children playing by the water and vehicles lining open grounds signal the peak of the city’s picnic season.
Since the New Year holidays, footfall has steadily increased at spots along riverbanks, wetlands, and forest fringes, many of which lack permanent infrastructure.
Safety Concerns After Recent Tragedy
This year’s picnic season, however, carries an undertone of caution. The drowning of a young girl during a picnic in Jorhat last month has resurfaced questions about safety at such locations, especially near water bodies.
Parents and group organisers in Guwahati said the incident has made them more alert, though many admitted there is little visible safety support at picnic sites.
Police Advisory, Low Awareness
Assam Police has issued advisories urging picnic-goers to carry first-aid kits, keep emergency numbers handy, and remain cautious near rivers and lakes. Despite this, awareness on the ground appears limited.
At several Guwahati picnic spots visited by GPlus, visitors said they had not seen any safety notices or official instructions displayed at entry points.
Entry Fees, No Clear Information
Some picnic-goers also raised concerns about entry charges and the absence of clarity on what those fees cover.
Speaking to GPlus at Choonsali, one visitor said, “They just told us the rate was ₹1,000, but we agreed to ₹300. There was no information given about safety or emergency contacts.”
Others echoed similar experiences, saying arrangements often depend on local committees or informal caretakers.
Why This Matters for Guwahati
Guwahati’s picnic spots attract thousands of visitors every winter, many of them first-time visitors or families with children. With rising footfall, the absence of basic safety measures such as lifebuoys, first-aid support, or emergency signage poses a growing risk.
As the city expands and leisure spaces become more crowded, the need for structured safety planning becomes increasingly important.
What Happens Next
With the picnic season expected to peak in the coming weeks, authorities may face renewed pressure to improve safety oversight at popular spots around Guwahati.
Until then, visitors are being advised to remain cautious, avoid risky behaviour near water bodies, and ensure basic safety arrangements within their own groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which picnic spots in Guwahati are currently crowded?
Popular areas such as Deepor Beel, Uzanbazar riverbanks, and spots around Choonsali are seeing large crowds.
Are there official safety arrangements at Guwahati picnic spots?
Many visitors say safety arrangements are unclear or absent, with limited awareness of emergency contacts or official guidelines at entry points.
