In a significant move to enhance safety and management for one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, the West Bengal government has decided to seek technical assistance from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) for the 2026 Gangasagar Mela. The decision was finalized during a high-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Manoj Pant at Nabanna on Thursday.
Proactive Planning and Advanced Infrastructure
The state administration is leaving no stone unturned in its preparations for the annual fair at Sagar Island, especially since it is anticipated to attract an even larger crowd this year in the absence of the Maha Kumbh. A key focus of the meeting was on pre-empting challenges and ensuring all major infrastructure and safety arrangements are completed well in advance.
This year's mela will see the deployment of five specialised lighting systems, a crucial step for improving visibility and ensuring crowd safety during the night. This initiative includes the import of fog lights from Australia and the installation of approximately 600 electric tower lights across the venue.
Multi-Departmental Coordination for a Seamless Experience
The high-level meeting saw participation from senior officials including the District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas and secretaries from key departments such as panchayat, PHE, PWD, disaster management, and irrigation. Chief Secretary Pant issued clear directives for all departments to maintain close coordination and expedite the remaining work.
Officials were specifically instructed to evaluate and address the issues faced by pilgrims during the previous year's fair. A top priority identified was dredging work, and the irrigation department has been asked to complete this process before the fair commences in January.
Other critical aspects discussed included:
- Health and Safety: Arrangements for water and air ambulances, along with setting up temporary emergency care facilities at a nearby hospital.
- Infrastructure Augmentation: Upgrading all key transit points, including areas beyond Lot 8, and improving bus services to Kapil Muni's ashram.
- Crowd Management: Enhancing security through additional CCTV coverage and upgrading the transport system.
- Essential Amenities: Ensuring an adequate supply of drinking water, a robust electricity and telecommunication network, and safe accommodation facilities. PHE officials were tasked with guaranteeing an uninterrupted potable water supply.
- Fire Safety: Fire department officials have been directed to install necessary fire safety systems in all lodging zones before they are occupied.
Strict Deadlines and Upcoming Review
To ensure everything is in place, all concerned departments have been instructed to complete all infrastructure development by the last week of December. Principal secretaries have been asked to coordinate closely to avoid any delays.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is scheduled to convene a meeting on the preparations soon and, as in previous years, is expected to personally visit Sagar Island to review the arrangements on the ground. This layered approach of bureaucratic planning followed by political oversight underscores the state government's commitment to a safe and successful Gangasagar Mela in 2026.
