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The West Bengal government's claim of over 1.1 crore pilgrims attending the 2025 Gangasagar Mela has been met with significant skepticism, particularly in light of a Right to Information (RTI) response revealing a stark discrepancy in the official figures. The government's assertion, presented as evidence of a successful and well-managed event, paints a picture of immense participation in the annual pilgrimage to the confluence of the Ganges and the Bay of Bengal. However, the RTI response, filed by activist Biswanath Goswami, indicates that only approximately 4.57 lakh vessel tickets were sold during the mela's duration (January 10-16, 2024). This significant difference raises serious questions about the accuracy of the government's reported attendance numbers. The government's justification, that not all pilgrims purchase tickets, is disputed by Mr. Goswami, who argues that those travelling long distances, often incurring substantial travel costs, would unlikely forgo the relatively minor expense of a vessel ticket. This contention underscores a broader issue of transparency and accountability in official reporting of major public events. The incident highlights the importance of independent verification of government statistics and the crucial role of RTI in ensuring that public information remains accessible and accurate.
The disparity between the government's claim and the RTI data points to potential manipulation of figures for political purposes. This raises concerns about the reliability of other official statistics provided by the West Bengal government, particularly those that could be used to justify policy decisions or garner public support. The implication of artificially inflating attendance numbers can influence resource allocation, infrastructure development, and future planning for the mela. Moreover, the government's response – stating that those unable to afford tickets were still accommodated – appears dismissive of the evidence and overlooks the critical role of ticket sales as a key indicator of attendance. The minister's statement emphasizing the large number of pilgrims from northern Indian states highlights the national significance of the mela, yet it does not address the fundamental issue of the inaccurate attendance figures. The fact that six deaths were reported at the event, four of which involved individuals from Uttar Pradesh, underlines the need for meticulous planning and efficient management to ensure the safety and well-being of pilgrims.
Beyond the dispute over attendance numbers, the Gangasagar Mela raises significant environmental concerns, despite the government's claim of an eco-friendly event. Reports of substantial garbage accumulation at various locations throughout the mela site directly contradict the government's assertions. While the minister cited the recycling of 1,123 metric tons of waste, the visual evidence of discarded plastic and other debris suggests that substantial environmental damage occurred. This discrepancy highlights a broader failure in waste management, potentially stemming from inadequate planning and enforcement of environmental regulations. The fact that the air quality also fell into the 'very poor' category in several areas further emphasizes the detrimental environmental impact of the mela. The distribution of jute and paper bags, despite the government's claims, was clearly insufficient, as plastic materials and bags remained prevalent throughout the mela, including on beaches used for bathing. This situation warrants a thorough investigation into the mela's environmental sustainability and the implementation of more effective measures for waste management and pollution control in future events.
The incident serves as a case study of the challenges associated with large-scale public events and the importance of accurate data reporting. The government's handling of the situation, characterized by a dismissal of contradictory evidence and a focus on promoting the mela's success, raises concerns about transparency and accountability. This episode highlights the potential for manipulation of data to create a more favorable narrative, and underscores the importance of independent scrutiny to counter such tendencies. The discrepancy regarding pilgrim numbers casts a shadow over the government's overall claims regarding the smooth functioning and successful management of the Gangasagar Mela. Furthermore, the environmental issues brought to light underscore the urgent need for a holistic approach to organizing future melas, which takes into consideration environmental sustainability and public health alongside logistical planning and crowd management. The event underscores the need for robust systems of accountability and transparency in the management of large-scale public events.
Source: West Bengal government pegs Gangasagar pilgrims figures over a crore, RTI contradicts claim