After floods, Gujarat is grappling with problem of stray crocodiles
What's the story
Vadodara in Gujarat is currently grappling with an unusual problem amid heavy floods caused by incessant rainfall.
The city has been invaded by a large number of crocodiles from the overflowing Viswamitri River, which is home to around 300 of these reptiles.
Following torrential rains and the release of dam water, the river crossed the 25-foot danger mark on Tuesday morning.
The crocodiles have been spotted in various locations across the city, including rooftops, roads, and even colleges.
Rescue efforts
10 crocodiles rescued in 5 days
In the last five days alone, 10 crocodiles have been rescued.
"Two have been released, and eight are still with us. We will release them when the water level of the river decreases... Today, we rescued a 14-foot crocodile from a house near Kamnath Mahadev temple, one near the Ratri Bazar and an 11-foot crocodile from the Zoology Department of the MS University," range forest officer Karansinh Rajput told ANI.
Annual problem
Crocodile invasions in Vadodara
The reptile problem is not the first for Vadodara.
Every monsoon season, crocodiles leave the river and enter residential areas of the city.
"While rescue of crocodiles from residential areas near the bank of Vishwamitri river continues throughout the year, the number rises significantly during monsoon," Rajput said.
In June alone, four crocodiles were rescued and released back into their natural habitat.
Crocodile species
Mugger crocodile species
According to the Wildlife Institute of India, the mugger crocodile found in Vadodara is a medium-to-large species, with an adult male reaching up to 4.5 meters (18 feet) in length and weighing approximately 450 kilograms.
Its distinguishing feature is that it is the most alligator-like of all crocodile species, with juveniles having a light tan coloration with some black cross-banding on the body and tail, while adult specimens are mostly grey to brown.
Twitter Post
Crocodile being rescued
#GujaratRains
— Dilip Singh Kshatriya (@Kshatriyadilip) August 29, 2024
Following intense rainfall in Vadodara, #Gujarat, there have been reports of crocodiles coming out from the Vishvamitri River water.A 10-foot crocodile was rescued from a road in front of the Avasar Party plot.#Vadodara@NewIndianXpress @santwana99 @Shahid_Faridi_ pic.twitter.com/KFsqZfFE7u
Flood aftermath
28 killed in Gujarat floods
The flood situation in Gujarat has resulted in the loss of at least 28 lives over three days due to rain-related accidents.
Six contingents of the Army have been deployed alongside 14 National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and 22 State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) teams for rescue and relief work.
State Relief Commissioner Alok Pandey reported that approximately 40,000 people have been evacuated from flood-affected areas.