1,300 cameras and 12,000 toilets: Gangasagar Mela 2026 set for a high-tech, eco-friendly transformation

The main holy bath is scheduled for Makar Sankranti on January 14 or 15. (Source: File Photo)

As the holy confluence of the Ganga River and the Bay of Bengal at Sagar Island prepares to welcome millions for the Gangasagar Mela 2026 from January 10 to 17, the West Bengal government Monday unveiled a massive, technology-driven roadmap aimed at ensuring a “green mela” that prioritises both spiritual sanctity and pilgrim safety.

Camera network: Over 1,300 cameras are active, and a control room will monitor Babughat and the Lock Gate, said officials.

Personnel: 15,000 police officers and 2,500 civil defence volunteers will manage the crowds with a focus on “gentle presence” and service, said officials.

To alleviate pilgrims’ concerns about loved ones lost amid millions, the 2026 mela implements advanced digital safeguards.

QR-coded wristbands: Vulnerable groups, including children and older adults, will receive QR-coded wristbands. A quick scan by officials or volunteers enables immediate identification and family reunification.

Multilingual digital guides: Simple QR scans throughout the grounds will act as personal navigators, helping pilgrims find water, toilets, and transport in Bengali, Hindi, or English.

Officials said the administration has strengthened its medical response through several measures.

Insurance: Every pilgrim, official, and volunteer is covered by a Rs 5 lakh accidental insurance policy.

Emergency response: A fleet of over 100 ambulances, supported by specialised air and water ambulances, is on standby.

Capacity: 540 dedicated hospital beds for immediate care.

Water supply and toilets: The administration has installed 12,100 toilets and arranged for 1 crore water pouches.

“Sustainability is at the heart of the 2026 event. It is designated as a green mela, and the focus is on preserving the environment that hosts the sacred dip. Streetlights throughout the venue are powered by solar energy. Local cooperatives are supplying biodegradable bags to eliminate plastic waste,” said an official.

“The 2026 mela is a tribute to the environment. The sanctity of the earth is as important as the sanctity of the water,” he added.

For those unable to make the arduous journey to the island, the government is continuing its “holy eater” initiative, which provides doorstep delivery of Ganga water and prasad.

As evening falls at Gangasagar, the air at the confluence fills with the rhythmic chants of Sagar Katha and the spectacle of the Maha Sagar Arati, marking a celebration that is as much about modern efficiency as about ancient faith.