As millions of devotees gather at the sacred Gangasagar Mela for the annual holy dip, the West Bengal Food Safety Department has deployed a comprehensive safety and monitoring system to ensure public health remains safeguarded throughout the event.
The mela, one of the largest religious congregations in India, sees an enormous footfall of pilgrims traveling from across the country. With this surge in visitors, maintaining food hygiene and preventing contamination becomes a major challenge for the authorities.
Strict On-Ground Monitoring and Inspections
Food Safety Officers have been stationed across key areas of the Mela grounds, carrying out:
- Hygiene inspections at food stalls
- Sampling of drinking water and beverages
- Checking labels, expiry dates, and storage conditions
- Monitoring cleanliness in temporary kitchens
- Ensuring compliance with FSSAI food safety norms
Officials are also keeping a close watch on high-risk food items that are more vulnerable to spoilage due to the large-scale cooking and serving environment.
Awareness Drives for Vendors and Pilgrims
In addition to inspections, the department has launched several awareness campaigns aimed at both vendors and visitors. These include:
- Demonstrations on safe food handling practices
- Distribution of leaflets on hygiene and sanitation
- Guidance on waste disposal and personal cleanliness
- Educating pilgrims about choosing clean and licensed food stalls
The emphasis is on prevention, ensuring that vendors follow safe cooking, storage, and serving methods to avoid foodborne illnesses.
Emergency Response Teams on Alert
Special response teams have been activated to handle any food safety complaints or emergencies. Mobile testing vans are also present to conduct quick on-site analysis of food and water samples, allowing authorities to take immediate action in case of contamination.
Officials stressed that the goal is to provide a safe and healthy environment for the pilgrims while supporting vendors in maintaining proper standards.
A Joint Effort for a Safe Pilgrimage
The Food Safety Department’s proactive measures reflect their commitment to protecting public health during large religious gatherings. With continuous monitoring and strong awareness initiatives, the department aims to minimize risks and ensure a safe experience for all pilgrims attending the Gangasagar Mela.
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