Coast Guard deploys ships, aircraft to provide security at Gangasagar Mela

The Indian Coast Guard has deployed its boats and aircraft to provide security in the ongoing Gangasagar Mela at the Sagar island of South 24 Parganas in West Bengal.

Speaking about the elaborate security arrangements made by the Indian Coast Guard, Abhijit Dasgupta, Commanding officer of the Indian Coast Guard (Kolkata), said that the coast guard boats and aircraft have been deployed in the area to keep a strict vigil on the mela and prevent any untoward incident.

"The maritime boundary with Bangladesh is nearby. Keeping this in view, the ships of the Coast guard has been pressed into action. Also, surveillance is being conducted from the sky," he said.

"A total air-sea coordinated security cover is being provided by the coast guard," he said.

"The devotees have come in large numbers to the mela. If any untoward incident happens during taking the holy dip, we will launch a search and rescue operation and bring that devotee out of water," said Dasgupta.

He said that the Indian Coast guard is working in close coordination with the NDRF, SDRF and district administration to provide security at the mela.

Apart from the Indian Coast Guard, the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) has also deployed teams in the Gangasagar area to prevent any untoward incidents.

Two sniffer dogs have also been deployed as part of search and rescue operations, if required.

"It's a new initiative where we have deployed dogs for search operations in water. Two dogs have been trained for the purpose and we have also gained success from them," said, Sudhir Dwivedi, Assistant Commandant of NDRF.

"A total of five teams have been deployed in Lot 8 of Kachuberia, Sagar Kapil Muni temple, Benuban and Namkhana," he said.

On the other hand, West Bengal Fire and Emergency Services Minister Sujit Bose said around 14,000 police personnel have been deployed at the fair site for security reasons, adding that 31 lakh pilgrims had arrived, till Friday, for the auspicious occasion.

The dip in the Ganges is believed to be sacred on January 14 and 15.

Makar Sankranti is one of the most auspicious times in the year, marking the transition of the Sun from Dakshinayan to Uttarayan.

Celebrated on January 14 every year, the festival is known by various names -- Pongal, Bihu, and Maghi.

( With inputs from ANI )

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