Kolkata, 10 July (H.S.): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday extended her greetings to devotees on the auspicious beginning of the month of Shravan and formally announced the inauguration of the month-long Shravani Mela held at the iconic Baba Taraknath Temple in Tarakeswar.

Given the expected influx of lakhs of pilgrims from across the state, both the state and district administrations have rolled out extensive preparations to ensure a smooth and peaceful conduct of the religious gathering. In a high-level administrative meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure that all arrangements are carried out in an orderly and disciplined manner.

The nearly 30-kilometre stretch from Baidyabati to Tarakeswar, a popular pilgrimage route for Kanwariyas, is under tight surveillance. Devotees typically begin their journey on foot from the Sheoraphuli Ghat, collecting holy water and walking to the temple. CCTV cameras have been installed along the entire route to monitor the movement and safety of pilgrims.

State Minister Becharam Manna informed that assistance camps, police forces, and medical teams have been strategically deployed along the route. Urban local bodies and panchayats have been tasked with providing essential civic amenities, including lighting, drinking water, bio-toilets, and sanitation services. Under the ‘Nirmal Prakalpa’ mission, cleanliness has been given high priority, and the use of plastic cups and plates is strictly prohibited.

To ensure safety near the ghats, the Water Resources Department has installed protective nets to prevent accidents due to strong water currents. The Public Works Department has undertaken repairs of approach roads and ghats, while the Power Department has been instructed to secure all electric poles and prevent any risk of short circuits.

Special attention is also being given at railway crossings in Baidyabati and Kamarkundu, where police and GRP personnel are deployed to avoid any untoward incidents. The state has requested Eastern Railway to increase the frequency of local train services, and Transport Minister Snehasis Chakraborty has arranged for additional government buses to Tarakeswar from various parts of the state.

-------

Surveillance and Emergency Services on Alert

To enhance security, police have erected barricades at 22 major intersections near the temple premises. The fair is being monitored through a network of 187 CCTV cameras and aerial surveillance using drones. In preparation for any emergencies, bike ambulances, regular ambulances, and specialized medical teams have also been stationed in and around the mela grounds.

With all these elaborate arrangements in place, the Shravani Mela has officially commenced and will continue throughout the month of Shravan. A large number of devotees are already flocking to Tarakeswar to seek the blessings of Baba Taraknath.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh