Residents in Dandeli Take Matters into Their Own Hands to Rescue Stray Crocodile скачать в хорошем качестве

Residents in Dandeli Take Matters into Their Own Hands to Rescue Stray Crocodile

By The News Observer Desk, Dandeli (Karnataka: : In a dramatic incident highlighting growing human-wildlife interactions, local residents in Dandeli successfully captured and released a mugger crocodile back into the Kali River after it strayed into a residential area. The event occurred on Thursday near Gate No. 3 on the Haliyal Road, causing panic among villagers. Eyewitnesses reported that the crocodile, typically confined to the Kali River, crossed the riverbank and wandered into the allied area through drainage channels, roaming several spots and sparking fear among locals. While crocodile sightings are common in the region due to the river's rich population of mugger crocodiles, this intrusion into human settlements was unusual. Residents immediately contacted forest department officials for assistance. However, due to delays in response, the community decided to act swiftly to prevent any potential harm. In a coordinated effort, locals first covered the crocodile's head with a gunny sack to calm it. They then carefully tied a rope around its snout, with one person holding its tail while five others pulled the rope to drag it back toward the river. Upon reaching the Kali River bank, the crocodile safely slid into the water. The residents removed the rope and ensured it was released unharmed. This brave rescue underscores the quick thinking of the community but also raises concerns about delayed responses from authorities in handling such incidents. The Ongoing Crocodile Challenges in Dandeli Dandeli, nestled in the Western Ghats and home to the Dandeli Wildlife Sanctuary (now part of Kali Tiger Reserve), is renowned for its biodiversity, including a thriving population of mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris) in the Kali River. The river supports hundreds of these reptiles, making it a major tourist attraction with dedicated crocodile spotting areas and a Crocodile Park. However, this abundance has led to increasing human-crocodile conflicts. Conservation efforts since the 1970s have successfully boosted mugger populations across India, but in Dandeli, factors like habitat disruption from infrastructure projects (e.g., dams and water works), pollution from industrial effluents, and disposal of poultry waste have altered crocodile behavior. These changes draw crocodiles closer to human habitations in search of food or displaced nesting sites. Past incidents highlight the risks: • Multiple fatal attacks reported between 2021 and 2022, including cases of youths and children being dragged into the river while fishing or bathing. • Crocodiles straying into villages and residential areas, creating panic. • In 2024, a tragic case where a child was thrown into a crocodile-infested canal (linked to the Kali River). • Experts note that while crocodiles generally avoid humans, proximity increases encounters. Authorities have installed caution boards, restricted river access in high-risk zones, and conducted surveys to monitor populations. Locals and activists call for better habitat management, faster response teams, and awareness campaigns to mitigate conflicts. • Despite these challenges, Dandeli remains a prime eco-tourism spot, with the Kali River offering rafting, wildlife safaris, and serene views—provided visitors exercise caution. Reporting and Videography By Saikiran Babrekar