Digha Beach Safety
The West Bengal government is planning to introduce a series of new safety measures for tourists visiting Digha, one of the state’s most popular seaside destinations. Speaking at Digha State General Hospital on Saturday, Health Minister Shardwata Mukhopadhyay advised visitors to avoid entering the sea while wearing sarees or salwar suits, saying such clothing could increase the risk of accidents.
The minister emphasised that the recommendations are aimed solely at improving tourist safety, especially during weekends and holiday periods when thousands of visitors crowd the beach.
According to the Health Minister, traditional clothing such as sarees and salwar suits can become heavy when soaked in seawater, making it difficult for people to swim or move safely in strong currents.
He suggested that visitors use swimwear or other clothing designed for sea bathing. However, he also clarified that if people prefer wearing traditional attire, they should consider bright or fluorescent-coloured garments so that lifeguards can easily identify them from a distance during emergencies.
The government also plans to encourage tourists to wear fluorescent caps while entering the sea.
As part of the proposed safety plan, trained personnel may be deployed at intervals of every 100 metres along the beach. The objective is to ensure faster response times during emergencies.
Officials are also considering upgrading rescue equipment and strengthening lifeguard services to deal with the growing number of tourists visiting Digha throughout the year.
The Health Minister stressed that preventive measures combined with rapid rescue capabilities could significantly reduce drowning incidents.
The state government has already announced plans to establish a dedicated trauma care centre in Digha under the latest state budget.
The facility will include specialised treatment for drowning victims as well as a burn care unit, considering the large number of restaurants and hotels operating in the tourist town.
Mukhopadhyay also raised concerns over reports of alcohol being consumed near the beach, including allegations that liquor is sometimes sold inside coconuts. He urged local authorities to ensure that intoxicated visitors are prevented from entering the sea, arguing that alcohol significantly increases the risk of accidents.
Tourism and disaster management experts have welcomed the emphasis on preventive safety, noting that improved awareness, stronger rescue infrastructure and better emergency healthcare can together make Digha a safer destination for visitors.
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