Crocodile issue: Mayor meets top forest official to clear cloud of doubt

Interestingly, some of the Forest officials were present during the process, but they did not raise any objection when a group of non-government organisation captured a crocodile.

Sources in the VMC informed that a letter was sent to the Forest department on November 7 regarding the shifting work, but it was not forwarded to the higher officials.

8220;Either there is a communication gap or the letter has not been forwarded deliberately. But in any case, we are going to get green signal from the Forest department,8221; said a senior civic official.

Shukla told Newsline: 8220;In the first place, we never intended to shift the crocodiles. We have categorically explained this to the Forest officials that we would shift only those crocodiles, which come on the surface during the process of dredging. I have explained all the related aspects to PCCF Wildlife Pradeep Khanna. He has assured to cooperate with us.8221;

8220;This is an ambitious project and we had expected hurdles as well. However, as far as formal procedure is concerned, we would ensure that we are clear at every level,8221; he added.