Crocodile Spotted in Hooghly River: On June 8, 2025, a video began circulating on social media showing what appeared to be a crocodile swimming in the Hooghly River near the Ishwar Gupta Setu in Bansberia, Hooghly district. Initially dismissed by some as a hoax, the video soon gained credibility as local residents confirmed the sighting, sparking widespread concern and prompting an immediate response from municipal authorities and the Forest Department.
This article explores the incident in detail, the community reaction, the government’s response, and the broader ecological and social implications.
The Incident: A Crocodile in the Ganges
The viral video shows a reptilian figure, unmistakably resembling a crocodile, floating just below the water’s surface near the ghat adjacent to Ishwar Gupta Setu. Locals reported seeing the creature again around dawn, and some even attempted to capture clearer footage.
Within hours, panic spread across Bansberia, Chinsurah, and neighboring areas that rely on the river for daily chores, religious rituals, and fishing activities. The sighting created a flurry of social media activity, with hashtags like #HooghlyCrocodile and #RiverAlert trending locally.
Immediate Government Response
Following public alarm, officials from Bansberia Municipality and the Forest Department visited the spot and examined the area. Councillors, civic volunteers, and police officials coordinated to assess the threat and plan immediate precautions.
A mass awareness campaign was launched. Loudspeakers were deployed across ghats in Bansberia, Chinsurah, and surrounding towns warning citizens not to bathe, fish, or approach the riverbank. Additionally, hoardings and signboards cautioning against entering the water were placed in sensitive locations.
Joydeb Adhikari, a local councillor, personally visited several ghats using a battery-operated vehicle to spread awareness through live announcements.
Crocodile Spotted in Hooghly River: Forest Department Investigation
The Forest Department dispatched wildlife experts and personnel trained in reptile rescue. While they did not immediately capture the crocodile, they confirmed the possibility of it being either a Mugger (marsh crocodile) or a gharial — both native to Indian river ecosystems.
Tapas Deb, a senior official in the Forest Department, assured residents that although crocodiles are typically non-aggressive towards humans unless provoked or threatened, entering the river was still inadvisable. “The animal is likely to have followed a fish trail upstream. These creatures usually avoid humans unless they are cornered,” he said.
Mapping the Migration: How Did It Get Here?
The Hooghly River is a distributary of the Ganges and known for hosting diverse aquatic species, including freshwater dolphins and occasional sightings of crocodilian species. Experts believe this crocodile may have drifted downstream from upper reaches of the Ganga or Damodar river systems, possibly from Jharkhand or Bihar.
Previous similar sightings were reported in places like Kalna and Bardhaman where Forest Department teams safely rescued crocodiles and released them into wildlife sanctuaries or relocated them to reserves.
Local Reaction: Panic and Curiosity
Residents in the area responded with a mix of fear and fascination. While many expressed concern about safety, especially for fishermen and children who often play near the ghats, others gathered at vantage points hoping to catch a glimpse of the elusive reptile.
Several people also recorded videos, feeding the social media buzz and attracting local journalists. Religious rituals at several ghats were halted or performed at a safe distance from the riverbank.
Daily wage earners who depend on river activities — boatmen, fisherfolk, and priests — temporarily paused their work, fearing a crocodile attack.
Administrative Measures in Place
In response to the potential danger, the following measures have been implemented:
- 24/7 Monitoring: Forest Department has assigned a dedicated team to patrol the river zone between Chinsurah and Bansberia.
- Restricted River Access: Entry to specific ghats has been banned temporarily. Bamboo barricades have been erected at vulnerable points.
- Community Helpline: A special helpline number was issued for reporting fresh sightings or emergencies.
- Drone Surveillance: Local authorities are reportedly considering deploying drones for aerial monitoring.
- School Advisories: Schools near the river have been instructed to brief students about the incident and caution them against going near the river.
Hooghly River’s Ecological Significance
The Hooghly is not just a water body — it’s a lifeline for West Bengal. From Kolkata to the interiors of Nadia, Bardhaman, and Hooghly districts, it serves multiple roles: religious, ecological, commercial, and recreational.
Encounters with wild animals in these zones are not unprecedented, as ecological corridors remain relatively connected. The presence of a crocodile, though alarming, also serves as an indicator of the river’s ongoing natural relevance and biodiversity.
What Kind of Crocodile Is It?
Experts suspect it is most likely a Mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) — India’s most common freshwater crocodile species. Here’s how it compares with others:
| Feature | Mugger | Gharial | Saltwater Crocodile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snout | Broad | Long, thin | Broad |
| Behavior | Solitary, shy | Non-aggressive | Highly territorial |
| Size | Up to 13 feet | Up to 20 feet | Up to 23 feet |
| Habitat | Freshwater rivers | Riverine | Estuarine, coastal |
Environmental Implications
🟢 Positive Signs
- Healthy Ecosystem: A predator like a crocodile suggests a functioning food chain.
- River Cleanliness: Crocodiles avoid highly polluted areas, indirectly pointing to improved water quality.
🔴 Risks and Challenges
- Human-Wildlife Conflict: A key concern in densely populated regions.
- Livelihood Disruption: Fishermen and local workers face direct income loss.
- Public Fear and Misinformation: Viral content often exaggerates risks.
Comparative Incidents in India
- Kalna, 2022: A 10-foot crocodile was rescued by forest officials after being found near a bathing ghat.
- Purba Bardhaman, 2023: Multiple sightings of mugger crocodiles led to short-term bans on fishing.
- Chambal River (UP/MP border): Regular gharial conservation success stories, often used as a model for river safety.
Experts Call for Coexistence
Wildlife experts have urged citizens not to panic. “Wild animals only venture into human spaces when their habitats are disrupted,” said Dr. Amrita Ghosh, a herpetologist. “This is a good opportunity to build public awareness about the importance of preserving aquatic biodiversity.”
Safety Tips for the Public
- Avoid entering the river until official clearance is given.
- Keep pets and children away from the banks.
- Report any sightings to the nearest municipal or forest office.
- Do not attempt to photograph or confront the animal.
- Participate in community briefings or awareness sessions.
Media, Politics & Public Pressure
Local media outlets have given round-the-clock coverage to the incident. Political leaders, including MLA representatives from Hooghly, have demanded quicker action and deployment of expert capture teams.
Bansberia Municipality, meanwhile, is being praised for its quick response — a rare example of swift civic coordination in rural West Bengal.
Future Strategies
To avoid similar episodes or better manage them:
- Riverbank Fencing: Temporary physical barriers at key locations.
- Wildlife Corridors Mapping: Tracking migration patterns of crocodiles and other aquatic fauna.
- Rescue Infrastructure: Specialized river rescue units in ecologically sensitive zones.
- School Curriculum: Integrating river safety into early education.
Conclusion
The Hooghly crocodile incident, while startling, offers an important lesson in how rapidly urbanization meets untamed nature. It has brought government agencies, local communities, and conservationists onto the same page — pushing for safe, informed coexistence.
For now, authorities are vigilant, and the public is aware. If handled responsibly, this event may go down as a successful case of modern wildlife management in one of India’s most culturally significant rivers.
Official Government and Related Links
-
Hooghly District Administration (Official Site)
For updates on civic safety, municipal measures, and riverbank access restrictions:
🔗 https://hooghly.nic.in -
West Bengal Forest Department (Wildlife Wing)
Responsible for wildlife monitoring, rescue operations, and species identification:
🔗 https://www.westbengalforest.gov.in -
West Bengal State Disaster Management Authority (WBSDMA)
Coordinates emergency responses and public awareness campaigns:
🔗 https://wbdmd.gov.in -
West Bengal Police – Hooghly District
May provide updates on safety alerts and river access control measures:
🔗 https://wbpolice.gov.inAlso read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
