Gangasagar Mela 2024: On Wednesday, Mamata Banerjee announced that VIP convoys with hooters would be prohibited from the Gangasagar Mela, and 200km-long barricades would be put up for crowd control. As part of the annual mela, CM Banerjee held a review meeting to assess the preparations. She announced that the mela will begin on January 8 and end on January 17. From January 12, pilgrims may take a holy dip.
Several Cabinet ministers and secretaries from various departments attended the meeting at the state secretariat, Nabanna.
According to CM Banerjee, 1,150 CCTV cameras, 20 drones, 2400 civil defence forces, and 6,500 volunteers will be deployed during the Gangasagar Mela to maintain law and order.
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“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. A total of 6,500 volunteers and a provision of 10,000 toilets will also be there,” CM Mamata Banerjee said at the meeting.
“VIPs will not be allowed to enter the Mela in convoys unless necessary. Such kind of VIP movement amid the crowd cause problems,” she added. Firhad Hakim, the Minister of Urban Development, clarified that this rule will also apply to VIPs from other states.
The Chief Minister also announced that 2,250 state buses, 250 private buses, and six barge vessels will be put into service for the convenience of tourists and pilgrims. Life jackets will be provided on every barge vessel. Additionally, 10 tourist buses will be kept on hand.
CM Banerjee has been demanding “national status” for Gangasagar Mela for many years.
