Twenty-three crocodiles have been rescued from Mumbai and nearby areas this year alone, the highest annual count on record. The three-year total now stands at 29, with sightings near IIT Bombay, Powai, Bhandup, Mulund, and Aarey raising questions about whether the city has expanded into their centuries-old habitat.

Rescue surge

Several rescue calls this year involved both adult and juvenile crocodiles from Mumbai’s western suburbs, particularly around Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Powai Lake.