0 months ago
Odisha issues crocodile alert as floods bring reptiles to villages
Heavy rain caused rivers in Odisha to overflow and flood nearby villages.
Crocodiles that live in the rivers can now swim into places where people live.
The government is worried about people getting hurt, so it has told everyone to be careful.
Forest workers are going door to door to warn people about the danger.
The government also started a WhatsApp helpline so people can get help or report crocodile sightings.
These crocodiles live in a big nature park called Bhitarkanika National Park.
The park has 117 nests where crocodile babies are being raised.
Sadly, a woman was attacked by a crocodile while bathing in a river and died.
The government says it will give money to the woman's family to help them after this tragedy.
Flood waters in Odisha prompted a government crocodile alert, a door-to-door awareness campaign and a WhatsApp helpline, especially in coastal Kendrapara district.
Rising water levels in the Brahmani, Mahanadi and Baitarani river systems have increased the possibility of crocodiles reaching human habitations.
A 46-year-old woman was killed in a crocodile attack while bathing in a river in Damodarapatana village, Kendrapara, a couple of days earlier.
Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapara has 117 active estuarine crocodile nests, according to the latest survey.
Forest department staff are visiting vulnerable villages to educate residents, and the government will pay ex gratia to the victim's family after an inquiry.
- Who
- The Odisha government and forest department officials, residents of flood-hit villages in Kendrapara district, and forest range officer Chitaranjan Beura
- What
- A crocodile alert with a door-to-door awareness campaign and WhatsApp helpline was launched after a 46-year-old woman was killed in a crocodile attack
- Where
- Flood-hit coastal districts of Odisha, India, particularly Kendrapara district, in villages such as Damodarapatana, near the Bhitarkanika National Park
- When
- Reported on August 4; the fatal attack occurred a couple of days earlier
- Why
- Rising water levels in the Brahmani, Mahanadi and Baitarani river systems increased the possibility of crocodiles reaching human habitation through water channels
Key facts
- Affected rivers
- Brahmani, Mahanadi and Baitarani
- Active crocodile nests
- 117 estuarine crocodile nests in Bhitarkanika National Park
- Fatal attack
- 46-year-old woman killed in Damodarapatana village, Kendrapara
- Government measures
- Crocodile alert, door-to-door awareness campaign, WhatsApp helpline
- Compensation
- Ex gratia to be provided to victim's family after inquiry
- Lead agency
- Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department
- Report date
- August 4
- News agency
- PTI (Press Trust of India)
Quotes
Official of the Forest Department
Representative of the Odisha Forest Department
“"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."”
theprint.in
telegraphindia.com
Sources
Related news
Odisha launches WhatsApp helpline to prevent human-crocodile conflict
Crocodile Sighting in Krishna River Causes Panic in Andhra Pradesh
Odisha Floods Expose Snakebite Risks and Village Hardships
Crocodile Kills Man In Sheopur River, Locals Seek Rescue
Odisha Floods Worsen as Subarnarekha Surges Past Danger Mark
Odisha floods ease as major rivers fall below danger marks
Odisha Floods Grim as Major Rivers Cross Danger Levels
Odisha floods worsen as rivers rise; more rain forecast
Odisha CM Majhi visits flood-hit Jajpur, Bhadrak districts
