CM lays foundation stones for Rs 214 crore projects in S 24 Parganas
Times of India | 8 January 2025
12 Gangasagar: CM Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday laid foundation stones for projects worth Rs 214 crore in South 24 Parganas. She inaugurated 30 govt projects and laid the foundation for 19 others,which she said would benefit the lives of nearly 19 lakh people.
The CM also announced that state govt had organised an eco-friendly Gangasagar Mela following National Green Tribunal's guidelines. Banerjee said govt was planning to have a green fair, urging visitors to avoid plastic bags and providing cloth bags to pilgrims. "Our govt has already planted 15 crore mangrove plants in Digha and Sunderbans. The authorities of Kapil Muni Ashram can use a small portion of their donations to lay concrete around the temple. Other things will be taken care of by us. We have built new roads and jetties, and are also trying to arrange better transportation facilities," she said.
Earlier in the day, she announced a bridge over Muriganga river involving investment of Rs 1,500 crore. She said dredging had increased the depth of the river to allow 20-hour launch operations. Keeping in mind the huge number of pilgrims visiting the fair each year, state govt has made arrangements for 2,250 govt buses and 32 vessels — all equipped with GPS trackers. Banerjee said 1,300 police and civic volunteers would man the Gangasagar area.
"A total of 10 ministers will be deployed. Of them, four to five ministers will be in Sagar Island, while others will be at important locations such as Kachuberia and Lot number 8. IG and DIG-rank officers will be deployed. Bengal and Kolkata police forces have been asked to ensure good coordination to maintain strict surveillance," she said.
The CM also met Navy and Coast Guard officials.
In a statement on X later, Banerjee wrote that among the projects were 17 anganwadi centres in the Sagar block; 12 jetties in Patharpratima, Gosaba, and Namkhana blocks; the upgrading of Canning Bus Terminus, and the inauguration of three bridges over the Mani, Sundarika–Dwarika and Piyali rivers.
"Sagar island holds a very special place in my heart. All arrangements have been made to ensure that the upcoming Gangasagar Mela is a smooth, hassle-free, and safe experience for all devotees. This year, we are committed to making the Gangasagar Mela eco-friendly. I invite you all to partake in this sacred occasion with devotion and returning with renewed joy and blessings," she said.
Banerjee said although Centre had been bearing the expenses of Kumbh Mela, it had not given anything for Gangasagar Mela. "We are hopeful that like Kumbh Mela, one day Gangasagar Mela will be declared a national fair. After approaching Centre several times and not getting any response, we have decided to construct a bridge over Muriganga river to connect Sagar island with the mainland," she added.