Archive · 6 Aug 2026
Odisha launches WhatsApp helpline to prevent human-crocodile conflict
Heavy rains made the rivers flood in a place called Odisha.
Crocodiles live in those rivers.
When the water rises very high, crocodiles may swim into places where people live.
That can be dangerous for people and for the crocodiles too.
The forest department made a special WhatsApp number for people to use.
People can send a message when they see a crocodile near their home or water.
Forest workers are also going door to door in villages to talk to people.
They tell everyone not to go into the water during the flood season.
They also say children should not go near water without a grown-up.
If people report sightings, forest officers can come quickly and keep everyone safe.
Odisha's Forest, Environment and Climate Change department activated WhatsApp helpline 9938914101 for reporting crocodile sightings.
Floodwaters from the Brahmani, Mahanadi and Baitarani rivers have spread across several districts, possibly pushing crocodiles toward human settlements.
The Luna Jungle Forest Range under the Rajnagar Forest Division is running a door-to-door awareness drive in villages along riverbanks and flood-prone areas.
Residents are advised to avoid entering rivers, canals and streams during the monsoon and to keep children away from water bodies without adult supervision.
Officials urge people to report sightings immediately so forest staff can act promptly and protect both human lives and wildlife.
- Who
- The Forest, Environment and Climate Change department of Odisha, along with forest staff and local villagers.
- What
- Launched an emergency WhatsApp helpline and a door-to-door awareness campaign to prevent human-crocodile conflict during floods.
- When
- As monsoon floodwaters spread across the state (no specific date given in the article).
- Where
- Odisha, India, especially villages along riverbanks and flood-prone areas under the Rajnagar Forest Division's Luna Jungle Forest Range.
- Why
- Rising floodwater could force crocodiles to move from rivers into human settlements or near river ghats, increasing the risk of attacks.
- WhatsApp helpline
- 9938914101
- State
- Odisha, India
- Lead department
- Forest, Environment and Climate Change department
- Operational unit
- Luna Jungle Forest Range, Rajnagar Forest Division
- Affected rivers
- Brahmani, Mahanadi, Baitarani
- Campaign type
- Door-to-door awareness drive in riverbank and flood-prone villages
- Key advisory
- Avoid entering rivers, canals and streams during the monsoon; supervise children near water
- Goal
- Reduce human-crocodile conflict and ensure safe coexistence