Surat: Between August 27 and 29, a total of 24 crocodiles were rescued from residential areas in Vadodara, Gujarat, following very heavy rains that caused the water level in the Vishwamitri river to rise, according to a forest department official on Sunday.
The Vishwamitri river, which flows through the city, is home to 440 crocodiles. Flooding from the river, exacerbated by water releases from the Ajwa dam, often leads to these reptiles venturing into nearby residential areas, said Vadodara Range Forest Officer Karansinh Rajput. Along with the crocodiles, 75 other animals, including snakes, cobras, five large turtles weighing around 40 kilograms, and a porcupine, were also rescued during the three-day period.
Rajput detailed the rescue efforts, noting that the smallest crocodile captured was two feet long, while the largest, a 14-foot giant, was found in Kamnath Nagar, a locality situated along the river. The massive reptile was captured on Thursday after local residents alerted the authorities. Additionally, two other crocodiles, each measuring 11 feet, were rescued on the same day from EME Circle and an area near the Zoology Department of MS University.
Despite the presence of these dangerous reptiles in residential areas, no incidents of crocodile-human conflict were reported during the heavy rains. Rajput explained that crocodiles typically do not attack humans, as they usually feed on fish and animal carcasses in the river. Occasionally, they may prey on smaller animals such as dogs or pigs, and a video of such an encounter recently went viral.
With the water level in the Vishwamitri river now receding, the rescued crocodiles and other reptiles are set to be released back into the river.
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