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Gangasagar Mela 2026: Bridge, 1,200 CCTVs & Massive Pilgrim Rush Expected

District Magistrate Arvind Mina detailed extensive preparations for the 2026 Gangasagar Mela, anticipating a larger crowd than last year. Key arrangements include over 1,200 CCTV cameras, drone surveillance, and monitoring from 16 buffer zones. A major infrastructure announcement is a 5-km bridge connecting Sagar Island to the mainland, a project championed by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Safety measures are paramount, with the NDRF, Coast Guard, and Navy deployed, plus over 500 ICU beds set up for pilgrims.

Key Points: Gangasagar Mela 2026: Bridge, Security & Crowd Plans

  • Larger crowd expected
  • 1,200 CCTV cameras installed
  • Bridge to mainland announced
  • NDRF, Coast Guard deployed
  • 500 ICU beds arranged
3 min read

Gangasagar Mela 2026: Large crowd expected, 1,200 CCTV cameras, bridge to mainland announced

West Bengal preps for Gangasagar Mela 2026 with a new bridge, 1,200 CCTV cameras, and extensive safety measures for a record crowd.

"We are expecting a larger crowd this year compared to last year... Gangasagar Aarti is a major attraction - Arvind Mina"

By Ujjwal Roy, Sagar Islands, January 13

District Magistrate of South 24 Parganas, Arvind Mina on Monday briefed about the arrangements for the Gangasagar mela, stating that a larger crowd is expected this year, asserting that the major attraction of the event is the Ganga aarti.

Mina informed that the administration is alert to every arrangement and a bridge for connecting Sagar Island to the mainland will also be built as per the West Bengal government's announcement.

"We are expecting a larger crowd this year compared to last year... Gangasagar Aarti is a major attraction of this Mela... We are alert to every arrangement... A few days ago, the Government of West Bengal announced a bridge connecting Sagar Island to the mainland," Mina told ANI.

Mina said the state government has made extensive arrangements for the fairs, including installing 1,200 CCTV cameras, and noted that the transportation system at the mela is also being monitored from 16 buffer zones established by the administration.

"The Government of West Bengal makes extensive preparations for the Gangasagar Mela. A few days ago, the Chief Minister visited and reviewed all the preparations... More than 1,200 CCTV cameras have been installed. Drones have been deployed at appropriate locations... The transportation system is entirely monitored from the buffer zones we have established. Around sixteen buffer zones have been created," he said.

He stated that the administration has made all arrangements for pilgrims to take a holy dip in the Ganga, and the National Disaster Response Force has also been deployed to ensure their safety.

"Sufficient arrangements have been made at the ghats where pilgrims perform rituals and take a holy dip... Keeping in mind the increased number of pilgrims, we have scaled up everything... The NDRF is deployed, the Coast Guard is deployed, and the Navy is deployed... More than 500 ICU beds have been created here, and medical teams have been deployed," Mina added.

Sanjay Das, priest of the Kapil Muni Ashram, described the Gangasagar mela as unparalleled, noting that the Ganga aarti held at the fair is historic, supernatural, and divine.

"The Ganga Aarti that has been taking place in Ganga Sagar for so many years is historic, supernatural, and divine. The Ganga Sagar Mela 2026 is unparalleled in itself. Its divinity and grandeur can be witnessed. These things are happening under the direction of the state government," he said.

Meanwhile, West Bengal minister Manas Ranjan Bhunia slammed the Centre, stating that they have not given national recognition to the Gangasagar mela, whereas CM Mamata Banerjee has announced the construction of 5-km 4-lane bridge worth Rs 1700 crores in the region.

"Mamata Banerjee does magic. Till date, Central Govt has not given national recognition to Gangasagar Mela. Our CM announced a 5-km 4-lane bridge at the cost of Rs 1700 Crores. L&T has taken up the work. This will be completed within 3 years. It will be an international tourist spot," he said.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who attended last year, the crowd management was a serious challenge. 1200 cameras and NDRF deployment is a massive upgrade for safety. The holy dip is a profound experience, and it's good to see it being made safer.
P
Priya S
The Ganga Aarti at Sagar is truly divine, a lifetime experience. But I hope with all this infrastructure focus, the spiritual and environmental sanctity of the island is not lost. Development is good, but the mela's soul must be preserved.
R
Rohit P
Rs 1700 crore for a bridge? That's a huge amount. While connectivity is important, I hope the funds are used transparently and the project is completed on time. We've seen many announcements lag for years. The proof will be in the execution.
M
Meera T
My parents are elderly and have always wanted to go for the Makar Sankranti dip. The bridge and the 500 ICU beds give me confidence that they can finally make the pilgrimage safely. This is inclusive development. ❤️
D
David E
The minister's comment about "national recognition" seems like unnecessary politics. This is one of the world's largest human gatherings. Shouldn't the focus be solely on the pilgrims' experience and safety, rather than credit-taking?
K
Karthik V

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