Crocodile Threat Escalates in Vadodara

Vadodara : Following heavy rains and floods in the Vishwamitri river, residents in Vadodara have begun to fear crocodile attacks. On Wednesday, Vadodara experienced over 14 inches of rain, resulting in flash floods in the Vishwamitri River, which is also home to over 450 crocodiles. Crocodiles have begun to venture into city areas as the river’s water levels increase, causing inhabitants in Vadodara to spend sleepless nights. 

The current level of the Vishwamitri River is 27.85 feet. The danger level is 26 feet. People stated that they do not sleep through the night for fear of crocodiles infiltrating their homes.  Vadodara schools and colleges are closed today due to heavy rain. 

Crocodiles emerge as the level of the Vishwamitri River rises. A crocodile was seen wandering outside Fatehganj Narahari Hospital. At 2 a.m., a crocodile was spotted wandering along the street. The sight of the crocodile has caused widespread fear. The crocodile was recovered and released into the river.

A girl from Kanchanpura village in Manjalpur city in Vadodara was returning when a big crocodile hiding in the lake attacked her and seized one of her legs.

Sejal Samsubhai Bhabhor, 13, lives with his family in Kanchanpura village, near the Manjalpur Suryadarshan Gate. Around 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Sejal and three other teenage females went to the opposite side of the railway track. However, due to the rain that had fallen since the morning, the area was knee deep in water. At the time, a 5.5-foot-long enormous crocodile emerged from the river and was lurking in this water. When Sejal was going by, a crocodile mistook her for prey and grabbed her leg. Her friend was standing by her, and she yelled for aid. 

As soon as the tragedy was reported, the family went to the scene. Three to four people held the girl, while others started throwing stones at the crocodile. However, the crocodile would not let grip of the girl. Eventually, the people there began tugging the girl and bringing the crocodile to the shore, where the crocodile released the girl and returned to the sea. The girl was subsequently sent to Sayaji Hospital for treatment.

There are as many as 441 crocodiles in the Vishwamitri River. Aside from that, water has been released from reservoirs into the Vishwamitra River. Floodwaters have entered low-lying areas such as Kamatipura, Parasuram, and Bhatto.

In Akota village’s slums, water has entered 50 dwellings. While 50 residences in Patel Phali and Gandhi Chowk, Nizampura, have been swamped in water. People are in a lot of difficulties.

The rising Vishwamitra water level is causing concern in the metropolis. Currently, the water level is 27.85 feet. The water at Ajwa dam is overflowing at 212.15 feet due to water from the Ajwa lake, and if additional water flows from the Ajwa, the city may flood again. Even now, the Vishwamitri River flows on two sides, crossing the danger level.