Puri: In a rare and visually stunning marine phenomenon, lakhs of live sea snails washed ashore along Puri’s coastline on Wednesday morning, carpeting stretches of the golden beach and drawing massive crowds of tourists and local residents eager to witness the spectacle.
The unusual occurrence was reported from Niladri Beach and Blue Flag Beach, with the highest concentration seen from Lighthouse Beach up to the Baliharachandi mouth. Early risers were greeted by what appeared to be a moving mosaic of shells along the shoreline, as thousands of live snails slowly drifted in with the gentle waves.
Beachgoers quickly gathered at the site, many capturing photographs and videos on their mobile phones. “I have visited Puri many times, but I have never seen anything like this,” said a tourist from Kolkata. Local vendors and residents also described the scene as unprecedented in recent years.
Marine experts attributed the large-scale movement to seasonal changes and calm sea conditions. According to environmental observers, early winter stability in the sea — marked by low turbulence and mild currents — often encourages marine organisms from deeper waters to move toward shallow coastal zones. “When the sea remains stable and non-turbulent, such drifting of organisms can occur naturally,” a marine researcher said, adding that detailed scientific observation would help determine the exact cause.
Adding to the morning’s excitement, a pod of four to five dolphins was spotted moving from the Chilika side toward the Chandrabhaga coastline. The playful movement of the dolphins close to the shore left tourists thrilled. While dolphins from Chilika Lake are known to venture occasionally into deeper sea waters, sightings near the Puri coast are considered special.
Puri’s coastline, which attracts lakhs of visitors annually, has previously witnessed incidents of fish mortality and jellyfish washouts, raising environmental concerns. However, unlike past episodes, Tuesday’s event involved live marine creatures and was viewed more as a natural wonder than a cause for alarm.
Even as the spectacle delighted onlookers, marine specialists emphasized the need for careful monitoring to ensure that the phenomenon does not indicate any ecological imbalance. Authorities are expected to keep a close watch on the situation over the next few days.
For now, the golden shores of Puri have once again reminded visitors that the sea can spring surprises — some rare, some beautiful, and all deeply fascinating.
