Holy dip at Ganga Sagar tomorrow

Sagar Island (WB), Jan 13 (PTI) An estimated five lakhpilgrims are expected to take the holy dip at the confluenceof the Ganga and the Bay of Bengal here on Makar Sankrantitomorrow when the Ganga Sagar Mela also begins.

The most auspicious time for the holy dip is betweenbetween 4:47 AM tomorrow and 3:30 PM on January 15, accordingto the almanac.

So far, over 1.50 lakh pilgrims have arrived fromdifferent parts of the country to Sagar Island in South 24Parganas district.

District Magistrate N S Nigam said that though therewas no threat perception, the administration would not takeany chances and adequate security measures have been taken.

An 8,000-strong police force, the Bomb Squad, snifferdogs have been deployed with civil defence personnelpatrolling the waters in speedboats.

Coast Guard and naval vessels were also patrolling thewaters.

The administration has arranged for accommodation inhuts made with hogla leaves. The accommodation has beenincreased by ten per cent this year.

Camps have been set up by various social welfareorganisations and NGOs.

West Bengal Chief Secretary Samar Ghosh and HomeSecretary G D Gautama have visited the island to supervise thearrangements.