Tarun Karthick
Port Blair, 02 June 2024
In a proactive effort to reduce human-crocodile conflicts, the South Andaman Division of the Forest Department organized awareness programmes across various locations including Tushnabad, Ramnagar, Caddlegunj, Sona Pahad, Ferrargunj, Saitankhadi Junction, Mathura, and Alipur villages.
During these sessions, villagers and fishermen were advised against dumping fish waste, meat leftovers, and animal carcasses in nallahs and creeks. They were also urged to exercise caution when moving through flooded areas near these water bodies.
The ongoing heavy rains in the Islands have raised concerns about crocodiles straying into flooded areas adjacent to nallahs and creeks. This migration increases the risk of human-crocodile conflicts. To prevent such incidents, the Forest Department has placed precautionary and warning signboards, advising the public to avoid entering creeks, nallahs, mangrove areas, and submerged regions for fishing or other activities.
Additionally, poultry and meat shop owners, hoteliers, and the general public were instructed not to dispose fish or animal waste, or dead animals, in the nallahs and creeks. Such practices attract crocodiles, potentially making these areas permanent habitats for the reptiles.
The Forest Department’s initiative aims to protect both the community and the wildlife, ensuring a safer environment for all.