CM Mamata assigns Ministers to oversee Ganga Sagar Mela ghats, launches key initiatives for safety

The Ganga Sagar Mela, a prominent religious gathering held annually in West Bengal, is set to begin tomorrow with preparations in full swing. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has issued directives to ensure smooth operations and heightened security for the event. Pilgrims traveling to Ganga Sagar typically pass through key ghats such as Babughat, Lot No. 8, and Kachuberiya, for which state ministers and legislators have been assigned specific responsibilities to manage the smooth flow of visitors. Additional focus has been placed on preventing any security concerns from across the Bangladesh border during the event.

Mamata Banerjee also launched three publications in preparation for the Mela: the Mela Arrangement Booklet, Sagar Sambad, and Sundari Dakkhini, which provides information on tourism. However, during the launch, she raised a concern about the lack of a Bengali version of these materials, as they were published in English. District authorities acknowledged that a Bengali version had not been produced, with the Chief Minister emphasizing the importance of ensuring that local language materials are available for the pilgrims.

A significant portion of the arrangements for the Mela involves health and emergency services. The state has ensured the availability of sufficient medical staff, including doctors and paramedics, as well as air and water ambulances to handle any emergencies. Public announcements during the Mela will be made in multiple languages—Bengali, Hindi, Odia, English, Tamil, Telugu, and Marathi—to accommodate pilgrims from various regions. Furthermore, as part of the government's environmental initiative, plastic bags will be replaced by eco-friendly alternatives provided to the pilgrims.

In terms of infrastructure, several development projects have been launched to improve facilities around Ganga Sagar. Mamata Banerjee inaugurated projects worth 161 crore rupees, which include the construction of roads, jetties, and healthcare centers. In particular, 12 new jetties were inaugurated in Gosaba, Namkhana, and Patharpratima blocks, which will improve connectivity for pilgrims. Additionally, four new vessels have been launched between Chaltadunia and Pakhirala to ensure smooth transportation during the Mela.

To ensure overall security during the Mela, Mamata Banerjee has coordinated with the Coast Guard and Navy to monitor water, land, and air safety. A strict security plan has been put in place with increased surveillance and the deployment of law enforcement personnel at key locations. The state government has also ensured the availability of security checkpoints, monitoring systems, and emergency response units to handle any potential incidents. These extensive measures are designed to safeguard the pilgrims and ensure the safe and successful conduct of the Ganga Sagar Mela 2025.