MP: Crocodile rescued from residential area in Sidhi, released into Son Gharial Sanctuary
Sidhi, July 10
A crocodile entered a residential locality in Madhya Pradesh's Sidhi district on Friday, prompting the Forest Department to safely rescue the reptile and release it into the Son Gharial Sanctuary, officials said.
The incident was reported in Panwar Chauhanan Tola village on Friday morning, which created panic among residents as the reptile was spotted inside the village, prompting locals to inform the forest department.
Acting on the information, a rescue team led by Assistant Forest Range Officer Pankaj Mishra reached the spot and rescued the crocodile without any harm to the people.
"The Forest Division control room received a call in the morning informing us that a crocodile had come out of a canal and entered a residential area. Acting on the information, our team immediately reached the spot, safely rescued the crocodile and later released it in the Son Gharial Sanctuary," Mishra told ANI.
After the rescue operation, the crocodile was first taken to the Forest Range Office, where it underwent a health examination by veterinarians before being released into the Son Gharial Sanctuary.
Explaining why such incidents occur during the monsoon, the officer said, "These crocodiles come through the streams and water channels connected to the Son River. During the rainy season, rising water levels allow them to move into nearby areas."
The Forest Department, however, appealed to people to maintain a safe distance from crocodiles or any other wild animals if spotted, avoid gathering crowds and immediately inform the department to ensure a safe rescue operation.
Son Gharial Sanctuary is located in Sidhi disrict and it was established under Project Crocodile for Gharial conservation and population growth. An altogether length of 210 km encompassing lengths of 161 km of Son river, 23 km of Banas river, and 26 km of Gopad River was declared as a sanctuary in 1981.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Good to hear no one was hurt. But honestly, aren't we encroaching too much on their habitat? More and more such incidents happening—monsoon or not, the root cause is development without proper planning.
Son Gharial Sanctuary is a gem for wildlife conservation. I remember visiting it years ago—peaceful place. Glad the crocodile was released there safely. Kudos to the team! 🐊🇮🇳
Impressive response time from the forest department. In Australia, we have similar issues with crocs during wet season. It's always a reminder that we share the land with these ancient creatures. Stay safe, Sidhi!
Very happy to see the rescue was successful. I just wish authorities would invest more in awareness campaigns in villages near sanctuaries. Many villagers panic and might harm the animal out of fear. Education is key.
Well done forest team! But let's be honest—Panwar Chauhanan Tola villagers must have been terrified. I hope the government compensates for any damages or loss of livestock if any. Wildlife conservation shouldn't burden local communities.
Interesting to see how monsoon flooding connects rivers to villages. The 210km Son Gharial Sanctuary sounds massive!
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