What’s Lurking Beneath Vadodara’s Canals? Crocodiles on the Prowl

Vadodara residents were stunned this week as multiple crocodiles were spotted crawling across city roads, including a viral sighting near Narhari Bridge. The sudden emergence of these reptiles is linked to an ongoing canal-cleaning drive along the Vishwamitri River, which has disrupted their hidden habitats.

 

What’s Happening and Why It Matters

- In the past three weeks, nine crocodiles—mostly babies and sub-adults—have been rescued from urban areas and returned to the forest department.

- The Vadodara Municipal Corporation’s flood-mitigation project involves desilting and dredging culverts and canals connected to the Vishwamitri River.

- These canals, previously overlooked as crocodile habitats, are now being cleared, forcing the reptiles to seek new territory.

 

Ecological Insights and Expert Observations

- Crocodiles are highly territorial and cannibalistic; younger ones instinctively migrate when adult crocodiles dominate an area.

- The cleaning has exposed long-hidden dens, especially in kaans (canals) like Ruparel and Bhukhi, prompting movement into residential zones.

- Most sightings occur at night, as crocodiles prefer nocturnal migration between water bodies.

 

Safety and Conservation Notes

- Crocodiles are protected under Schedule-1 of the Wildlife Protection Act.

- Rescue teams are working under observation protocols before releasing the reptiles back into the Vishwamitri.

- Experts urge caution near riverbanks and canals, especially during monsoon season when water levels rise.

 

Sources: Indian Express, Free Press Journal, Times of India, The Blunt Times, Firstpost