Gangasagar Mela gears up with massive security cover as devotees flock for annual pilgrimage

Amidst the anticipation of the Ayodhya event, the Gangasagar Mela in the Sagar Islands stands as a remarkable spiritual gathering, attracting devotees for the sacred ritual of taking a holy dip in the Ganga waters. A significant pilgrimage site, the Sagar Islands in Bengal, readies itself for the annual Gangasagar Mela, commencing on the eve of Makar Sankranti. The second-largest fair in India, after the Kumbh Mela, this event draws thousands of devotees who converge to take a holy dip in the sacred Ganga waters at Sagardweep. Security arrangements, overseen by the district magistrate of South 24 Parganas, Sumit Gupta, involve meticulous planning with the deployment of over 14,000 police personnel and advanced tracking systems to ensure the safety of pilgrims and manage traffic along the route from Kolkata to Sagar Islands.

Preparations for the Gangasagar Mela, a pilgrimage site known for its spiritual significance, have been underway for the past five to six months. Security measures include 1,145 CCTVs installed at the fairground, a dedicated control room for real-time monitoring, and the deployment of senior police officers among the personnel. The traffic management system incorporates GPS-enabled buses ferrying visitors to the islands, tracking their live movement.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said "There will be strict police vigil. Police barricades over 200 kilometres have been erected to control the crowd while 1150 CCTVs, 20 drones, 2400 civil defence forces, and 50 fire engines will be posted in the fair ground from January 9-17. There will be an accidental insurance cover of ₹5 lakh for every person visiting the fair while 6,500 volunteers and 10,000 toilets will also be there."