Vadodara Turns Into Croc City as 4-Foot Reptile Found in Housing Society

Vadodara | Gujarat —  Once known as the cultural capital of Gujarat, Vadodara is fast earning a new title — “Croc City.” With hundreds of crocodiles inhabiting the Vishwamitri River and nearby lakes, frequent sightings inside residential areas have become alarmingly common. In the latest incident, a 4-foot crocodile entered the parking lot of Panchamrut Residency on Harni Sama Link Road, sparking panic among residents late Friday night.

The reptile, spotted around 12:25 am, initially hid under a two-wheeler before crawling under a car to escape the commotion. Residents screamed and gathered in large numbers as fear gripped the society. A local alerted the Forest Department and Canine Group Vadodara, who rushed to the spot to rescue the reptile.

Forest officials Jigneshbhai and Lalabhai, along with Canine Group President Vishal Thakur and volunteers Vrushank Dixit and Jay Shah, reached the location and launched a tense rescue operation. As rescuers tried to loop a rope around the crocodile’s neck, it thrashed violently and attempted to escape, forcing the team to act with precision and caution.

After a strenuous struggle, the team managed to restrain and safely capture the crocodile, which was then transported to the Vadodara Forest Department’s rescue center. Officials confirmed that the reptile would be released into its natural habitat — the Vishwamitri River, where it likely originated.

Rising Crocodile Encounters in Vadodara

Experts say that although the monsoon season has ended, intermittent rains and waterlogging are prompting crocodiles to move through urban drains and canals, leading to more such encounters. “This is not an isolated incident. As the city expands into riverine zones, crocodiles are increasingly entering human spaces,” said a forest official.

A Growing Population

In 1960, the Vishwamitri River was home to just 50 crocodiles. Today, it hosts over 400, while the Vadodara district overall has more than 1,000 crocodiles across the Vishwamitri, Dhadhar, Dev, and Narmada rivers, as well as various lakes. Wildlife experts attribute this surge to improved breeding conditions and reduced hunting, as crocodiles are a Schedule-1 protected species under Indian wildlife law.

Safety and Compensation

Authorities have urged citizens to exercise caution near water bodies, especially during the post-monsoon season. The government provides ₹4 lakh compensation to the families of victims in case of crocodile attacks. Officials also reiterated that the reptiles attack only when threatened or mistaking splashes for prey movement.