Pilgrims start journey towards Gangasagar Mela

Thousands of pilgrims started marching towards Gangasagar to take a holy dip at the Ganga on the auspicious day of Makar Sankranti.

The state government made an elaborate arrangement to help pilgrims to reach the Sagar Island without facing any inconvenience. 

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee held a meeting at Nabanna and instructed all concerned officials to make necessary arrangements for the Gangasagar Mela. 

Hundreds of pilgrims from different parts of the country gathered at Babu Ghat and after spending a day here they started their journey for Gangasagar. 

Buses are operating from Babu Ghat to Lot-8 transit point to take the pilgrims. Additional vessels have been deployed to take the pilgrims across the river to Kachuberia transit point in Sagar Island.

Treatment was provided to several pilgrims who fell ill on way to Gangasagar. Several health camps have been set up and doctors have been posted there. 

The security arrangements have also been tightened up and additional policemen were deployed at the mela premises. 

Policemen were found assisting the pilgrims to catch buses and get vessels from the transit points to reach Sagar Island. 

Security in Sagar Island has also been tightened up following the incident of terrorist attack in Pathankot. Lakhs of pilgrims from across the country visit the place every year and the state government expects more turn out this time. Certain ministers of the state government are present at Gangasagar to supervise the entire arrangements. 

Constant announcements were taking place at mela premises and the transit points using public addressing system. Pilgrims can also dial in the given helpline numbers for any assistance.

Surveillance cameras were installed to cover the entire mela premises. CCTV cameras have also been installed at the transit points including Lot-8 and Kachuberia.