A powerful water spout appeared in the sea near Gangasagar’s Kapil Muni Ashram on Thursday morning, alarming pilgrims, tourists and local residents and prompting the administration to advise people to stay away from the shoreline. Police also increased surveillance in areas adjoining the beach after the incident.
The natural phenomenon was reported near the second bathing ghat close to the Kapil Muni Ashram, a heavily visited religious and tourism location in South 24 Parganas. People at the coast watched as seawater rose into the air, creating panic among those gathered near the shore.
According to the report by Sanmarg, the water spout remained visible for approximately four to five minutes. The incident took place during the morning, when visitors and local people were present near the bathing areas. No injuries, damage or evacuation were reported in the supplied account.
The administration responded by asking people to maintain a safe distance from the sea. The advisory was issued as a precaution while the situation along the coast was monitored. Police personnel were also directed to strengthen surveillance around areas located next to the beach.
The response highlights the operational challenge of managing public access at a busy coastal pilgrimage site when unusual natural events occur without warning. Gangasagar’s bathing ghats and shoreline attract pilgrims, tourists and residents, making crowd movement and immediate communication important during any incident near the water.
The report did not provide a scientific explanation for the formation of the water spout or indicate whether weather or sea conditions were being examined by a specialist agency. It also did not state whether bathing activities were formally suspended or whether additional restrictions were imposed beyond the advice to remain at a safe distance.
For visitors, the immediate instruction from the local administration remains to avoid approaching the sea and to follow directions from police and other officials stationed near the coast. Monitoring has been increased along the beachside areas, with further action dependent on conditions at the site.
