Kolkata: The West Bengal govt's emergency response mechanism swung into action on Monday to rescue two ailing elderly pilgrims—Santlal (64) of Uttar Pradesh and Bimla Devi (77) of Haryana—from the Gangasagar Mela.The state govt has put in place an elaborate medical and evacuation network, including on-site healthcare units, rapid response teams and air ambulance services to transport critically-ill pilgrims to advanced hospitals in Kolkata and its suburbs. Santlal developed complications related to hypertension and epistaxis (severe nosebleed). He was promptly airlifted and admitted to MR Bangur Hospital for specialised treatment. Bimla Devi, who sustained a foot injury diagnosed as a metatarsal fracture, was sent to MR Bangur Hospital as well.
Every year, lakhs of pilgrims travel to the confluence of the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal with the belief that a holy dip during the mela helps attain moksha. The arduous journey, however, often takes a toll on their health.