West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee formally inaugurated this year’s Ganga Sagar Mela on Thursday at Kolkata’s Outram Ghat, alongside monks from the Ramkrishna Vivekananda Mission, by paying floral tribute to Swami Vivekananda.
The chief minister also inaugurated a permanent transit camp at the ghat where thousands of pilgrims come ahead of their pilgrimage to Ganga Sagar. Additionally, she flagged off several services, including a modern electric vessel and 50 fire engines.
CM Banerjee, once again, demanded that the Ganga Sagar Mela be given the national status similar to the Kumbha Mela. The same was echoed by Ganga Sagar organising committee as well. The chief minister further raised the issue of the Centre not contributing to the organisation of Ganga Sagar Mela.
“The central government allocates thousands of crores of rupees to Kumbha Mela, and the fair is accessible by rail and air. However, transportation here relies entirely on waterways, with people depending solely on water for travel,” she said, adding that a four-lane bridge would be constructed by the state government.
The chief minister was also seen blaming the previous Left Front government for ignoring Ganga Sagar. “Since our government came to power, we have covered all the expenses. Now, 12 ministers oversee arrangements, including bio-toilets and living quarters, with special measures in place to manage the crowd effectively,” CM Banerjee said.
Transportation to Sagar Island for the Ganga Sagar Mela has improved with a new helicopter service from Kolkata and 20 hours ferry operations due to dredging of the Muri Ganga River. From January 8 to 17, 32 vessels, 9 barges, 100 launches, and 2,500 buses will operate.
Along with comprehensive healthcare arrangements, individuals visiting or working at the Ganga Sagar Mela, including journalists, will be eligible for health insurance coverage of ₹5 lakh in the event of an accident during the festival.