Crocodiles on roads in Vadodara
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VADODARA: Come monsoon, and crocodiles appear in several areas of the city. But most Barodians aren't shocked or afraid when they see a crocodile swimming in lakes in the middle of the city or crawling on roadsides. Vadodara holds the distinction of being home to over 200 crocodiles that reside in Vishwamitri river which flows from the heart of the city.
Dozens of crocodiles are often found lazing on the banks of the river in Sayajigunj even as heavy traffic passes from the bridge right over them. These crocodiles survive usually on fish and by prey on stray dogs that move around on the river bank. However during monsoons when the water level goes up in the river and lakes, many of these reptiles crawl out. Volunteers, who are often called in by forest officials to catch crocodiles, say that at least 30 reptiles are captured every year during monsoon.
This year too, a crocodile strayed into Baghikhana area near Polo Ground and another was captured from Hanuman Tekri in Chhani area. A 5.5-foot long crocodile had strayed on the main road in Karelibaug on August 2 and it was captured by forest officials near Utkarsh petrol pump. The reptile also dragged away a woman in Goraj on the outskirts of the city some days ago.
"Crocodiles are territorial but they venture out when water level goes up in lakes and rivers. Usually they don't attack human beings. Dozens of reptiles venture in city areas every year during monsoons. This is very unique to our city and Barodians, it seems, have learnt to co-exist with such large reptiles," said Rakesh Wadhvana of Crocodile Rescue Group. Several volunteers assist forest officials in capturing and releasing the crocodiles, sometimes even risking their lives.
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