At a meeting at Nabanna Sabhaghar yesterday, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee gave details of
arrangements for the forthcoming Gangasagar Mela 2024. As per sources, the meeting was held in the
presence of cabinet ministers and secretaries of various departments. At the review meeting, the chief
minister announced that the mela would start on January 09 and continue till January 17. Pilgrims would
be able to take dips on Makar Sankranti which falls on January 15, 2024. She also specified the auspicious
timings for the holy dip from January 15 – 16. This would be in addition to dips on other days as they
prefer.
The chief minister added that to maintain law and order during Gangasagar Mela 2024 which attracts
pilgrims from over the country, as many as 1,150 CCTV cameras, 20 drones, 2400 civil defence forces
and 6,500 volunteers would be enforced. 200km-long barricades will be put up to control the crowds.
As in previous years, there would be round-the-clock medical assistance for pilgrims and visitors in case
of an emergency. Plus, there would be public announcements not only in Bengali, Hindi, and English but
regional languages like Marathi, Telegu, and Tamil as well. A host of informational pamphlets would be
published in all these languages for distribution among pilgrims.
Gangasagar Mela 2024 – A special Gangasagar app for ease of pilgrims.
“There will be strict police vigilance… 200-kilometre-long barricades to control the crowd, 1150 CCTV
cameras, 20 drones, 2400 civil defence forces, 50 fire engines will be stationed at the fair from January
9-17. There will also be accident insurance of Rs 5 lakh per person including press members. A total of
6,500 volunteers and a provision of 10,000 toilets will also be there,” Mamata Banerjee said at the
meeting.
VIPS WILL NOT BE ALLOWED IN CONVOYS UNLESS ABSOLUTELY NECESSARY
“VIPs will not be allowed to enter the Mela in convoys with hooters unless absolutely necessary. Such
kind of VIP movement in the crowd cause problems,” she added. Urban Development Minister Firhad
Hakim clarified that this rule would be applicable for VIPs from other states too. The chief minister said extra vehicles are being deployed for ease of transport. A total of 2,250 state buses, 250 private buses and six barge vessels will be pressed into service for easy commute for the tourists and pilgrims. Every barge vessel will have life jackets. She also said that 10 tourist buses will be kept ready.
DEMAND FOR NATIONAL STATUS FOR GANGASAGAR MELA – 2024
It may be mentioned in this context that Mamata Banerjee has been demanding “national status” for
the Gangasagar Mela for the past several years. Each year, she continues to stress the importance of this
iconic spiritual event being accorded National Status.
Bengali