In Gujarat’s Vadodara, nearly 40 crocodiles have been rescued from residential areas as floodwaters recede and rehabilitation efforts begin. The city, situated along the Vishwamitri River, saw a surge in crocodile sightings due to the floods, which led these animals into residential neighborhoods.
During the ongoing rescue operations, a video of two men transporting a crocodile on a scooter has gone viral. The men, Sandeep Thakor and Raj Bhavsar, are known for their animal rescue efforts in Vadodara’s Manjalpur area. In the video, one man rides the scooter while the other holds the crocodile horizontally. They were heading to the forest department office to hand over the crocodile.
Watch The Viral Video:
Two young men took a crocodile found in Vishwamitra river in Vadodara to the forest department office on a scooter🫡
pic.twitter.com/IHp80V9ivP— Ghar Ke Kalesh (@gharkekalesh) September 1, 2024
Agneeshwar Vyas, Deputy Conservator of Forests for Vadodara’s Social Forestry Division, reported that out of the 40 crocodiles found in residential areas, 33 have been released back into their natural habitat, five are at a rescue center, and two died accidentally. He explained that rescuing crocodiles is challenging because they cannot be tranquilized and must be physically restrained due to their strength and carnivorous nature.
The forest department, alongside NGOs and volunteers, has been working to manage these rescues. Vyas noted that while crocodiles are being relocated, other animals such as snakes and turtles are also being rescued from nearby areas.
In Ahmedabad’s Godhra, rescuers have also dealt with crocodiles found at a market on the highway. The state is gradually recovering from the floods, with cleanup efforts underway, road repairs, and measures to prevent disease outbreaks.