Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 22 May 2024
In a proactive effort to reduce human-crocodile conflicts, the South Andaman Forest Division has initiated a series of awareness programs across various localities. The campaigns, held at Beodnabad, Jodakilan Dinghighat, the Fish Landing Centre at Guptapara, Hobdypur, near the Fisheries Jetty at Collinpur, Miletilak, Ranchi Basti (Tushnabad), Namunaghar, Lohabarack, Jirkatang No.2, and Burmanallah, aim to educate local residents on preventive measures to avoid encounters with crocodiles.
During these sessions, villagers received crucial advice on maintaining safe practices, such as refraining from dumping fish waste, meat leftovers, and animal carcasses in nearby streams and creeks. These practices are known to attract crocodiles to areas close to human settlements, increasing the risk of dangerous interactions.
Additionally, the Forest Division has highlighted the heightened risk of crocodile straying following the recent heavy rains in the region. Flooding can cause crocodiles to venture into areas they do not typically inhabit, raising the potential for man-animal conflicts.
Residents have been strongly urged to avoid flooded areas and to refrain from allowing their domestic animals to graze freely near streams and creeks. The presence of crocodiles in these flooded zones poses a significant threat to both humans and livestock.
The awareness programs are part of a broader effort to foster coexistence between the local communities and the native wildlife, ensuring safety and harmony in the region.