Night blaze behind Sealdah station burns down several food stalls
Two pilgrims were airlifted to Kolkata after falling critically ill at the Gangasagar Mela today, demonstrating the effectiveness of the state’s healthcare arrangements for the event. Both individuals experienced severe medical conditions while participating in the annual mela, prompting immediate medical intervention and transport to higher facilities.
Thakur Das, a 70-year-old pilgrim from Barabanki, Uttar Pradesh, collapsed at the mela grounds. He was initially treated at a temporary health center set up for the mela. Upon diagnosis, it was confirmed that he had suffered a stroke. Given the severity of his condition, the administration arranged for an airlift, and he was transferred to M. R. Bangur Hospital in Kolkata for advanced treatment. His medical condition required urgent attention, and the airlift facilitated immediate care.
Maharani Mondal, an 85-year-old resident of Taldi in South 24 Parganas, also became critically ill at the mela. She was diagnosed with severe infection, kidney failure, anemia, and high blood pressure at the primary health center. As her condition rapidly deteriorated, the medical team decided to airlift her to Kolkata. She was admitted to M. R. Bangur Hospital in Kolkata, where she is receiving intensive medical care.
In preparation for the influx of pilgrims, the state government had established a wide range of medical services for the mela. These services included the setup of multiple health centers, 515 beds in hospitals, including ICU units, and 100 ambulances. Furthermore, four water ambulances and one air ambulance were stationed at the mela to respond to emergencies. The airlift service, in particular, ensured rapid transportation of critically ill patients to specialized healthcare facilities.
The healthcare setup also included a team of medical professionals, such as doctors, nurses, and paramedics, to handle the large number of visitors at the mela. In addition to the medical infrastructure, the state government made arrangements for smooth transportation, food, and accommodation for the pilgrims, ensuring safety and care throughout the event. These measures were put in place to manage the increasing crowd size and ensure that health emergencies could be addressed promptly.