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The crocodile menace in the Vishwamitri river, flowing through Vadodara, continues with yet another local falling prey to the reptile. Nineteen-year-old Laloobhai Rathodia became the latest victim of the menace on Thursday when a crocodile
attacked him while he was collecting wood.
According to Fire department officials, who were called in for the rescue work, a 10-foot long crocodile was hiding in the undergrowth, when Rathodia went close to the river to dip his legs. “He did not notice it and fell prey to it. When we reached the spot, we just found his remains,” said one of the officials.
According to Nayan Desai, Deputy Conservator of Forests, even though around 15 warning signs are installed at different locations through the 20-km stretch of the river, people ignore it.
Desai said they had a meeting on the issue, and soon, with the help of local panchayats, a stern warning will be issued against coming close to the river.
“We are planning to do something about the menace. But people must also understand the importance of the signs. It is for their safety,” Desai said, adding that it is very difficult to keep a watch in the rural areas. According to a recent study by the Crocodile Conservation Group, the river, which originates from the Pavagadh Hills, is home to over 90 crocodiles. The study reportedly found that crocodiles often attack cattle and sometimes even humans because there are no species of fish in the river.
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