In a bid to avoid unnecessary rush at transit points, special vessels will be deployed to ferry passengers across the river during the forthcoming Ganga Sagar Mela.
Around 16 big vessels and 15 comparatively smaller ones will be deployed during the fair to ferry passengers from Lot-8 transit point to Kachuberia.
Lakhs of people visit Sagar Island to take a holy dip in Ganga Sagar during Makar Sankrati every year.
People from across the country visit the place and there is no other alternate route to reach Sagar Island without the ferry service. Thus, hundreds of people waiting at transit points is a common sight every year.
In a bid to avoid unnecessary rush the special arrangements have been made. People no more need to stand in a queue for hours for their turn to board on a vessel.
The district administration has approached the West Bengal Surface Transport Corporation to provide the vessels.
Initiative has also been taken to ensure safety and security of the people. Health camps will be set up at different places in the venue. Arrangements will also be made to help people get a shelter in Sagar Island.
A huge contingent of police will be posted at the Island during the mela and security will be tightened up to avoid any untoward incident. Senior police officers will also be present in the Island during the fair. Many VIPs too visit the place during Makar Sankranti. Initiatives have been taken to assure their security as well.
Hundreds of people first gather at Babughat near Esplanade before taking a bus to reach Lot-8 transit point in South 24-Parganas. The Kolkata Police and Kolkata Municipal Corporation have made an elaborate arrangement to help the pilgrims in all aspects. Necessary steps have been taken to make their journey free from any difficulties.