Four endangered crocodiles found dead in Rajasthan river, experts wonder if pollution to blame

In the first of the four deaths, a 60-year-old crocodile was found dead on November 30, followed by three more on December 1, 2, and 4. The latter three, aged nine, four, and 15, were discovered about 10 kilometres from the initial site.

Activists are now urging for immediate action in the form of stricter measures to protect wildlife in order to avoid a situation like the one in 2022.

Environmental lawyer Tapeshwar Singh said industrial pollution in the region has been a longstanding issue due to years of government inaction and unchecked pollution. He claimed that despite repeated complaints, the situation has worsened over time.

Ramkarn Khairwa, Chief Conservator of Forests in Kota, said that investigations are underway to determine the cause of the four deaths. “It is possible that industrial waste is the culprit. We have sent samples for testing and are awaiting the results,” Khairwa stated.

Dr Akhilesh Kumar Pandey, who conducted post mortems on the first and fourth crocodiles, said the first one died of multiple organ failure and the fourth succumbed to kidney failure, potentially linked to toxic elements in the water. He said laboratory results would clarify the exact cause.

Experts are now calling for collaborative efforts between local authorities, environmental agencies, and industries to implement effective pollution control measures.