Be safe, maintain peace: CM to Gangasagar pilgrims
Times of India | 10 January 2025
Kolkata: Addressing pilgrims en route to Gangasagar Mela at the Babughat transit camp on Thursday, CM Mamata Banerjee emphasised the significance of safety. She urged the thousands converging in Kolkata to exercise prudence, saying: "Don't do anything that would cause anyone to worry about you. We are here to take care of you. Return home safely."
"Please do not consider this to be outside your home, do not think of yourself as a guest," she added.
Banerjee cautioned the pilgrims about fire safety, identifying it as a substantial hazard. Whilst acknowledging that sadhus traditionally light fires, she advocated using pots for enhanced control and straightforward extinguishing.
Prior to her address, the CM inaugurated 50 fire tenders and Jangipur fire station in Murshidabad. She also launched Dhew, the country's first fully electric vessel, constructed at Rs 5.7 crore, which will transport passengers between Millenium Park, Belur and Dakshineswar.
Banerjee implored everyone to maintain peace, saying: "Don't get carried away by provocation that could cause problems. This is my humble request." She noted that while last year's attendance surpassed 1 crore, Gangasagar Mela this year coincided with Kumbh Mela.
She highlighted the distinctions, noting that Kumbh received substantial central funding and offered easier access, while Gangasagar required a challenging river crossing.
She listed the enhancements in infrastructure, including three helipad stations, accommodation facilities and bio-toilets, and added that 12 ministers and senior state officials would oversee the fair. The CM also talked about their decade-long endeavour to achieve national fair status for Gangasagar Mela.
Regarding safety measures, the CM outlined the Rs 5-lakh insurance cover for casualties between Jan 9 to 17. She also listed the medical provisions at the fair, which included intensive care facilities, air ambulances, 515 hospital beds with ICUs and 100 ambulances for patient transport.