7 satellites, Isro network to cover Sagar Mela crowd
Times of India | 8 January 2026
Kolkata: The South 24 Parganas district administration will use Isro-developed NaviC Technology to track and monitor crowds during Gangasagar Mela, which will start on Thursday evening.
The Isro navigation tech, with Indian constellation consisting of seven satellites and a network of ground stations, provides accurate information and precise timings.
More than one crore pilgrims are expected to visit Sagar Mela this year. "There will be advanced pilgrims' transportation, crowd management, health services, sanitation and cultural initiatives for pilgrims who will be visiting this time," said an official of South 24 Parganas district administration.
For crowd control, the administration will use the NaviC Technology. There will be real-time tracking, with over 1,200 CCTV cameras. There will also be drone-based tracking and GPS-guided intelligent crowd monitoring. There will be thermal-imaging drones to enhance surveillance. A 54-km stretch was barricaded to regulate crowd movement, and 150 NGOs with 10,000 volunteers will assist in crowd management and provide health support.
Over 2,500 buses will carry pilgrims from different places. There will be 21 jetties operational during the Mela. 13 barges with an average capacity of 1,000 to 2,500 persons, along with 45 vessels, and 100 launches will be deployed at Lot 8 and Namkhana for transportation of pilgrims.
Sixteen buffer zones were prepared along Babughat to Sagar Mela route for regulating the flow of vehicles. A combined single-ticket system from Kolkata and Howrah to Lot 8 to Kachuberia and back will be implemented for seamless travel to Gangasagar, officials said. For disaster management, 2,500 civil defence volunteers, along with QRTs, deep divers, Navy, SDRF, NDRF and the coast guard, will be deployed. There will be 18 temporary fire stations, with 50 fire tenders placed at strategic locations.
For sanitation, 12,300 toilets are being arranged, and seven solid waste management units will be operational. Three plastic waste management units will promote eco-friendly practices and 75 e-carts will be deployed to collect waste. The authorities have set up 100 solar street lights and biodegradable bag production units.
The administration set up 5 temporary hospitals with 125 beds. Additionally, another 415 beds are being earmarked. 100 ambulances and air and water ambulances will ensure emergency health care. There will also be 30 critical care units. For law and order, 15,000 police personnel will be deployed, along with traffic regulation and parking plans for smooth movement.