Crocodile Menace : Alert Sounded

Kendrapada:1/8/17:  There is every possibility of outbreak of crocodile menace in Brahmani river system owing connectivity to Bhitarkanika national park because of rising water level.

The possible acts of violence by estuarine crocodiles in flood-prone villages loom large. The residents have been asked to remain extra-cautious and have been warned not to enter into water-bodies, said forest department officials.

There is every possibility that rise in water level might turn the estuarine crocs itinerant. This trend had been noticed in the past when Brahmani and Baitarani rivers were in spate. Thus we have sounded warning for safety of people and livestock, said Divisional Forest Officer, Rajnagar Mangrove (Forest) Division, Bimal Prasanna Acharya.

The Bhitarkanika river system, which is home to about 2,000 estuarine crocodiles, owes its connectivity to Brahmani River. Thus there is every possibility that flooded river would lead the reptiles to venture into newer areas.

Departmental alert has been sounded in Gobindapur, Belapala, Nagada, Santhapada, Bandhapada, Ostia, Balisahipatana, Rajnagar, Mahulia, Iswarpur and Chandibausamula gram panchayats that has come under partial flooding of Brahmani river water, said officials.

gram panchayats of Rajkanika and Aul block have been identified as highly susceptible zone for crocodile attack.

The crocs used to stray in search of food and would leave the place for their original habit within a few days as per their natural instinct, said wildlife personnel.