No selfies during high tide at Bengal beach

MIDNAPORE: Moving a step beyond the Goa administration that is planning ‘no-selfie zones’ along its coastline, the police in Bengal’s popular beach town of Digha has decided to ban selfies during high tide altogether.

The district police has decided to arrest anyone violating the directive and moving close to the water during high tide to click selfies.

The decision was taken after eight tourists allegedly drowned in an attempt to take selfies in the water in the past month.

“Though the police, civic volunteers and members of disaster management teams regularly urge tourists to stay away from the water during high tide, many don’t pay heed. We also have started cordoning off the Digha beach ropes to stop tourists from going near the sea during high tide,” said Indrajit Basu, additional superintendent of police (rural) of East Midnapore district.

“If we find anyone near or in the water during high tide trying to click pictures, we will arrest them,” added Basu.

An officer of the Digha police station said the offender will be arrested under section 290 of the IPC that deals with punishment for public nuisance in cases not otherwise provided for.

“He will also be slapped a fine of ₹200,” said the officer.

“We are compelled to take strict measures. There have been several deaths and we can’t afford to take any chances,” said Akhil Giri, local MLA and vice-chairman of the DighaShankarpur Development Authority (DSDA).

A few watch towers will shortly be pressed into service from where a vigil will be maintained on the coastline.

However, there will be no restrictions during low tides, said officers.

The police have also started addressing tourists over microphones to keep a safe distance during high tides.

Boards have also been put up at various locations.

THE DIGHA DISTRICT POLICE HAS DECIDED TO ARREST ANYONE MOVING CLOSE TO THE WATER FOR CLICKING SELFIES DURING HIGH TIDE