Multiplying crocodiles threat to villagers

It has not only checked the extinction of the reptiles, but also effected a rise in their population. According to reports, the creeks of Bhitarakanika are home to about 1200 estuarine crocodiles at present. The villagers living inside the sanctuary primarily depend on fishing for their livelihood.

However, the presence of the crocodiles has made it risky to take a boat into the river. The danger zone is the creek area where fish and prawn catch is the maximum.

Fatima, the 16-year-old granddaughter of Adudta Khan, a resident of Dangmal, was killed by a crocodile on the river bank two years ago. Another villager, Shyam Mandal’s son Ganesh Mandal, was killed by a crocodile in the creek while he had gone for fishing last year. At Raimundia, one Meghnad Das was reportedly attacked and killed by the reptile while he was out fishing.

The last reported victim was Madhusudan Behera, a forest guard of Dangumal who was attacked and killed on April 24 while feeding a crocodile on the farm.

The large number of people illegally entering the sanctuary for fishing and wood collection makes matters worse.

The compensation for the family of a victim is a paltry Rs 7000, and that too is granted after a joint investigation by the police and forest officials.