Kendrapada: Instances of saltwater crocodiles (crocodylus porosus) entering mangrove forests and nearby villages to lay eggs during breeding season have prompted the forest department to intensify measures to tackle human-crocodile conflict in and around Bhitarkanika National Park in Kendrapada district.Forest officials maintain that there is generally a rise in crocodile attacks during their nesting, mating and breeding season for which Bhitarkanika National Park is closed to tourists from May 1 to July 31.The assistant conservator of forests (ACF) of Bhitarkanika National Park, Manas Kumar Das, said, “Particularly female crocodiles seek refuge in the land areas to lay eggs leading to attacks on people and livestock. To check human-crocodile conflict, the forest personnel have been visiting villages around the mangrove forest to educate people about safety measures. We are also organising awareness camps. People are advised against visiting riverside areas near forests as crocodiles lay eggs on land areas after emerging from rivers and creeks. Farmers should work in groups in the riverside areas to deter crocodiles from attacking them. Also, it is advisable to walk in groups in forested areas.”A quick response team comprising 10 forest staff having expertise in capturing of problematic crocodiles is positioned in readiness in the forest office at Dangamal within the park to capture strayed crocodiles as female crocodiles move away from saltwater areas to upstream areas where freshwater source is available near habitations during breeding season. The team is equipped with crocodile-proof nets, search lights, boats and other instruments to capture strayed crocodiles. Though the forest department has deployed staff and personnel to monitor rivers, nullahs and creeks to avoid loss to cattle and humans, incidences of crocodile attacks are not fully averted.“We appeal to the general public not to venture into rivers, creeks and nullahs around the park and its nearby areas for bathing, fishing, washing of clothes and utensils and other purposes during the breeding season of the reptiles to avoid crocodile attack,” added the forest officer.“To prevent human-crocodile conflict, the forest department has also recently barricaded around 120 river ghats around Bhitarkanika National Park and its nearby areas. We also warned villagers not to enter the river ghats beyond the barricaded areas. We provide Rs 6 lakh compensation to the family members of the crocodile victim after due inquiry,” added the forest officer.
