Flood-hit Odisha on crocodile alert after woman killed in river attack
The Odisha government has issued a crocodile alert in flood-hit areas and started a door-to-door awareness campaign and a WhatsApp helpline amid a higher risk
The Odisha government has issued a crocodile alert in flood-hit areas and started a door-to-door awareness campaign and a WhatsApp helpline amid a higher risk of reptile attacks, especially in Kendrapara district. Officials said swollen rivers and flood waters entering villages have increased the chance of crocodiles reaching human habitation through different water channels. The alert comes days after a woman was killed in a crocodile attack in Kendrapara. Read Full Story Kendrapara is home to the Bhitarkanika Park, which has estuarine crocodile nests.
According to the latest survey, the park has 117 active nests of estuarine crocodiles. Officials said rising water levels in the Brahmani, Mahanadi and Baitarani river systems have raised the possibility of crocodiles straying into villages. According to an official statement, "For public safety, field staff of the forest department are visiting the flood-affected villages and making people aware of possible encounters with crocodiles and precautionary measures." A couple of days ago, a 46-year-old woman was killed in a crocodile attack while bathing in a river in Damodarapatana village in Kendrapara district.
Rajnagar forest range officer Chitaranjan Beura said the government would provide e gratia to the victim's family after an inquiry. The Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department has launched the awareness drive in villages near Bhitarkanika Park, while an emergency WhatsApp helpline has been introduced to prevent human-crocodile conflict in vulnerable areas. People in flood-prone areas have been asked to alert the forest department about crocodile sightings, and officials are visiting vulnerable villages to educate residents about precautions and safety practices.
The measures have been taken as flood waters from swollen rivers enter villages, increasing the risk of crocodile encounters in coastal Odisha, particularly in Kendrapara. Ends
The BriefWire