Speaking on the arrangements for the annual fair after laying foundation stones for infrastructural developments in the area, the CM said, “There will be around 2,500 buses, 2,250 government and 250 private, nine barges, 32 vessels, 100 farries during the fair. Also, 19 jetties have been built. Besides, 2,500 civic volunteers will be roped in. Furthermore, there will be one airborne ambulance, four water ambulances, and 100 ambulances at the mela for medical emergency.”
Adequate police personnel led by senior IPS officers have been deployed in Sagar Island and approaching roads from Kolkata, she said, adding, “We must ensure there is no trouble during the annual fair. Tight vigil has to be ensured. I have told the navy about it. The coast guard should also be informed. We have to ensure there is no trouble from that side (Bangladesh).”
“A total of 10 ministers will be deployed. Of them, four to five 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. West Bengal and Kolkata police forces have been asked to ensure good coordination to maintain strict surveillance,” she said.
“To make Gangasagar eco-friendly and the fair green we have decided to make it plastic-free. We will be providing the pilgrims with free biodegradable bags for puja items,” Banerjee added.
At the mela, there will be public address systems in Hindi, Bengali, English, Odia, Telugu, Marathi, and some other languages, Banerjee said.
“Three helipads have also been made operational and the depth of the Ganga has been increased by dredging at Muri Ganga, so for 20 hours, people can use the launches for crossing,” said Banerjee.
The Chief Minister said that 17 anganwadi centres have been inaugurated in the area. “Three bridges are to be built over the Piyali, Moni and Sundorikadaroka rivers. Twelve jetties will be inaugurated in Namkhana, Pathorprotima and Gosaba blocks. We have also inaugurated several jetties and multi-purpose rescue shelters. And for law and order, there is a new Gangasagar coastal thana and a Kakdwip coastal thana,” she said.
The CM again criticised the Centre for its alleged indifference towards Gangasagar Mela and not according it the status of a “national fair” like the Kumbh Mela. “We are hopeful that like Kumbh Mela, one day Gangasagar Mela will be declared a national fair. After approaching the 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.
Lakhs of pilgrims gather in Sagar Island from different parts of the country and abroad to take a holy dip at the confluence of Ganga and the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of ‘Makar Sankranti’.
— with PTI inputs