Kolkata, 12 February (H.S.) : After the Gangasagar Mela, the sacred pilgrimage site has once again come alive as thousands of devotees flocked to Gangasagar for the holy Maghi Purnima bath. The administration has ensured strict security measures to manage the large gathering.

Maghi Purnima began on Tuesday at 6:55 PM and will continue until Wednesday at 7:06 PM. Pilgrims started arriving from Tuesday afternoon, and many were seen taking a dip in the sea even at midnight. Devotees from different districts of West Bengal, as well as other states, have gathered at Gangasagar to participate in this auspicious occasion.

Considering the huge influx of pilgrims, the Sagar Block Administration and Sundarban Police have taken extensive measures. Sagar BDO Kanhaiya Kumar Rai stated that the number of pilgrims is significantly higher than previous years. To accommodate them, facilities such as lighting, toilets, barges, and vessel services have been increased. This year, 700 toilets have been set up across Kachuberia, Gangasagar, and Benuban, compared to around 350 last year.

To facilitate transportation, 12 vessels and 2 barges have been deployed for crossing the Muriganga River. There are 12 drinking water kiosks, with 5 in Kachuberia and 1 in Benuban. 40 private buses have been arranged to transport devotees from Kachuberia to Gangasagar. High-mast lights have been installed at bathing ghats, Sea Beach Road No. 2, and the K-1 bus stand. To maintain cleanliness, special task forces have been deployed at the beach.

For security, police and administrative officials are closely monitoring the area. The BDO stated that at bathing ghats 1, 4, and 5, over 200 civil defense personnel and police officers have been deployed. 15 CCTV cameras have been installed at key locations, including the bathing ghats, in front of the Kapil Muni Temple, and the K-1 bus stand.

Sundarban Police District SP Koteshwar Rao informed that 1,000 police personnel have been stationed across Gangasagar, Kachuberia, and Benuban for the safety of the pilgrims. A disaster management force (DMF) is also on alert. Additionally, strict policing is in place around the seashore and Kapil Muni Temple to ensure crowd control. Bamboo barricades have been erected at various locations to manage the rush.

Hindusthan Samachar / S P Singh