With the Gangasagar Mela in full swing, Kolkata Police have stepped up security and support to ensure the smooth flow of devotees into the city. Kolkata Commissioner of Police, Manoj Verma, said the primary focus of the police force is to ensure the devotees reach their destinations safely, while the traffic flows unhampered. He stressed that special attention is being given to ensuring a safe and orderly journey for devotees travelling to and from Gangasagar.
Kolkata Police on X shared a video message from Manoj Verma, where he said, “Hello and a warm welcome to all of you to this year’s Gangasagar Mela. Kolkata Police are fully committed to ensuring your safety and providing all necessary assistance.”
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He further said, “Security arrangements and surveillance have also been strengthened at Babughat, Sealdah and Kolkata railway stations, as well as at all other important locations. To ensure that your journey remains peaceful, safe and comfortable, we humbly request everyone to follow the instructions issued by the police and the administration, and to contact the nearest police personnel whenever required.”
Babughat under tight vigil
Babughat, which is one of the most important points through which the transit of Gangasagar-bound devotees takes place, has been brought under tight security. A heavy police presence has been made in the area around the ghat to control the rush and assist the devotees. Verma said, “Adequate police personnel have been deployed at the Gangasagar Mela complex at Babughat, along with arrangements for help desks, information services and emergency assistance.”
Apart from that, guidance and help desks have also been established at important crossings along the way in Kolkata.
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Mela begins amid cold and fog
The Gangasagar mela has been formally inaugurated on Thursday, and it will continue till the 17th of January. The initial days experienced cold northerly winds and fog, but as the day progressed, the devotees started thronging the Kapil Muni Temple and the coast in large numbers.
Reportedly, maximum rush is likely to be seen on January 14, which is Makar Sankranti itself, when the auspicious holy bathing period begins at 1:14 pm and ends at the same time on January 15.
