16 satellite phones to ensure uninterrupted connectivity

"We are arranging for 16 such satellite phone sets which will be given to officers who will be on duty at critical locations. This will ensure that communication is not jeopardized even if by chance

there is an earthquake or a tsunami," Y Ratnakara Rao, District Magistrate of South 24-Parganas said.

It may be mentioned that three satellites belonging to a company is being utilised for these high tech devices.

"It is for the first time perhaps in India that such technology is being used by the state government for uninterrupted connectivity. The model too is absolutely user-friendly with a smaller size," a senior official of the district administration said.

The Ganga Sagar Mela is scheduled to be held from January 9 to 17.

The state government for the first time is introducing Sagar Sanjog scheme at the fair this year.

Around 60 LED giant screens will be placed at different points and pilgrims will be updated about vessel timings, tide timings, safety precautions etc.

"The giant screens will be in three languages — Hindi, Bengali and English to facilitate the pilgrims. All information about transport facilities like train, buses, ferries and their fare tariffs too will be displayed on the giant screens," Rao said.

The district administration is expecting a turnaround of 20 lakh pilgrims this year up from an estimated 15 lakh last year. "The pilgrims carrying capacity of barges have been doubled this year. There will be 4 barges operating from Lot 8 to Kachuberia sector this year. Last year there were a couple of barges only," he added.

In a bid to ensure safe and secure journey of lakhs of pilgrims to Ganga Sagar Mela in Sagar Island in South 24 Parganas, the district administration has decided to introduce a real time monitoring system titled Tirtha Sathi using which all senior administrative and police officers can watch live footages of all the transit and other crucial points in their mobile phones.

It will ensure officers in better crowd management when lakhs of pilgrims from across the country pour into the Island for a holy dip at the confluence of river Ganga on Makarsankranti.

The administration is also laying special emphasis on beach cleaning and sanitation. "Our objective is to ensure a super-clean beach," a senior official said.