West Bengal govt expects huge pilgrim turnout in Ganga Sagar Mela

In the absence of Kumbh Mela this year, the West Bengal government expects a huge footfall at the annual Gangasagar Mela next week and has taken all measures for a successful hosting of the congregation, a senior official said on Tuesday.

Lakhs of Hindu pilgrims gather in Sagar Island from different parts of the country and outside to take a holy dip at the confluence of the sacred Ganga and the Bay of Bengal on the occasion of 'Makar Sankranti'.

Officers in the rank of deputy superintendent of police will be deployed to oversee the security of the fair site, who will use satellite phones, drones and CCTV cameras, South 24 Parganas District Magistrate Sumit Gupta said.

"As there is no Kumbh Mela this year, we are expecting a huge gathering at the Gangasagar mela. Besides, the Covid scare is not as intense as it was earlier. We have taken all measures keeping this in mind, Gupta told PTI.

While 15.5 lakh pilgrims visited Ganga Sagar Mela last year, the figure could reach as high as