Seer urges PM Modi to visit Gangasagar, witness islands erosion
The Statesman | 5 January 2026
Amid growing alarm over rapid coastal erosion at Sagar Island, the head of Bharat Sevashram Sangha (BSS) at Sagar, Swami Jitatmananda Maharaj, popularly known as Nemai Maharaj, has appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit the sacred Gangasagar pilgrimage site and assess the situation first-hand.
Speaking to The Statesman on Monday, Swami Jitatmananda said the appeal was not limited to inviting the Prime Minister. “Sagar Island is facing an existential crisis. If immediate and effective steps are not taken to stop the sea’s aggression, thousands of residents will be pushed into danger and an ancient Hindu pilgrimage site may be lost forever,” he said. The monk stressed that the Prime Minister’s personal visit could help bring national attention to the gravity of the crisis. “We request the Prime Minister to see with his own eyes how the island is being swallowed by the sea year after year,” he added. According to Swami Jitatmananda, temporary repair work is currently underway to restore damaged embankments along the coast. The state irrigation department, along with the South 24-Parganas district administration, has initiated short-term measures.
However, he warned that such efforts would not be enough without a coordinated initiative between the Centre and the state. “Every year, the sea advances several metres towards Kapil Muni’s ashram. Controlling coastal erosion has now become the biggest challenge,” he said. He acknowledged the state government’s initiative to construct a bridge over the Muriganga river, calling it a long-standing demand and a major gain for the Gangasagar pilgrimage zone. “But if the sea continues its unchecked advance, even this bridge will lose its relevance. Stopping marine erosion is the most urgent priority,” the monk observed.
With the Gangasagar Mela set to begin on 10 January, concerns are mounting over infrastructure and safety. “Lakhs of pilgrims will arrive, but the number of bathing ghats has been reduced due to erosion. Ensuring the safety of Bharat Sevashram Sangha and 32 other ashrams has become a serious concern,” Swami Jitatmananda said. He advocated the construction of a concrete sea wall, similar to the one in Digha, extending over more than three kilometres to protect the sacred coastline.
Meanwhile, the Paschim Banga Nagarik Mancha has stepped up efforts to draw the Centre’s attention to the issue. The organisation has already launched a mass signature campaign and awareness drives across several areas. Its spokesperson and advocate, Chandan Saha, told The Statesman that a dedicated outreach campaign would soon begin from Kolkata, passing through Diamond Harbour to Sagar Island, to mobilise public opinion.
“Sagar Island is intrinsically linked to King Bhagiratha’s penance and the descent of the Ganga to earth. Kapil Muni’s temple here predates the Ramayana. Despite hosting one of the world’s largest religious congregations, Gangasagar Mela is yet to receive national fair status,” Saha said. He added that coastal erosion has already claimed several structures, including parts of Kapil Muni’s ashram, and warned that more land could disappear into the sea. “This is not just about faith; it is about saving a major spiritual and tourism hub of international importance,” he said, noting that the ashram attracts a growing number of foreign tourists as well.