Crocodile nesting: Awareness campaign intensified in Vadodara

VADODARA: 'Beware of crocodiles while venturing near Vishwamitri River. Don't venture near the river bank' read the big signboards that are being installed on the banks of Vishwamitri River. Wary that the crocodile attacks may go up over next few months, the forest department has stepped up awareness campaign in the areas around the river. With the onset of summers that is nesting period for the crocodiles, the reptiles become aggressive to protect its eggs.

Forest officials say that many people venture near the river oblivious of the eggs and often come face to face with aggressive female crocodiles. "Crocodiles have begun laying eggs on the banks of Vishwamitri River and during nesting season the reptiles ferociously guard their territory. Any human walking near the river bank is taken as a potential threat. Awareness campaigns are held round the year but we step up the efforts during the nesting season," said a forest official.

Three persons were killed in crocodile attacks on the banks of Vishwamitri River and one lost life in Mahisagar River between April and May last year.

The reptiles often lay eggs in marshy areas or in the bushes near the river bank. The victims unknowingly walk into the territory of the crocodiles and face attacks. "The number of attacks is expected to go up between April and June and hence we have begun contacting people staying on the banks of the river. They are asked to stay away from the river banks and not venture alone in the areas that are home to crocodiles," said Rakesh Vadhwana, who runs Crocodile Group and also volunteers with the forest department.

The forest department has also started installing big signboards warning people of crocodile infested areas. Last year, the department had put up small banners on Vishwamitri riverbank in Sayajigunj Sama and Karelibaug, but this year they have been replaced with bigger signboards that are visible from distance and also during the nights. Vishwamitri River that passes through the heart of the city is home to about 260 crocodiles.