Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has directed that there was the need to ensure a comprehensive surveillance on land, air and water for Gangasagar Mela.
This directive has come in the wake of trouble relations with neighbouring country Bangladesh.
The Mela is being held in Kakdwip subdivision of South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal.
Speaking on the arrangements for the annual fair after laying foundation stones for infrastructural developments in the area, the CM said, “Around 2,500 buses, 2,250 government and 250 private, nine barges, 32 vessels, 100 farries will be available during the fair. Also, 19 jetties have been built. Besides, over 2,000 civic volunteers will be roped in. Furthermore, there will be one airborne ambulance, four water ambulances and 100 ambulances at the mela for medical emergency.”
Adequate police personnel led by senior IPS officers have been deployed in Sagar Island.
“A total of 10 ministers will be deployed. Of them, four to five will be in Sagar Island, while others will be at important locations such as Kachuberia and Lot number 8. Both West Bengal and Kolkata police forces have been asked to ensure good coordination to maintain strict surveillance,” she said.
Banerjee even added,“to make Gangasagar eco-friendly and the fair green we have decided to make it plastic-free. We will be providing the pilgrims with free biodegradable bags for puja items.”
The Chief Minister said that over 15 anganwadi centres have been inaugurated in the area.
The CM even took the inauguration event as the occasion again criticised the Centre for its alleged indifference towards Gangasagar Mela and not according it the status of a “national fair” like the Kumbh Mela.
“We are hopeful that like Kumbh Mela, one day Gangasagar Mela will be declared a national fair," she added.
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