Indian marsh crocodile spotted repeatedly near residential area, forest department and NGO ready rescue operation; the reptile was first reported two weeks ago from Chhatrapati talao in Ambedkar Nagar, Kurla West
The 2.5-foot marsh crocodile. Pics/By Special Arrangement
Kurla residents were left startled after a 2.5-foot crocodile appeared in Sheetal talao, far from any forest or natural water bodies. The Thane forest department, working with Mumbai-based NGO SARRP INDIA (Spreading Awareness on Reptiles and Rehabilitation Programme), is planning a safe rescue operation.
The reptile was first reported two weeks ago from Chhatrapati talao in Ambedkar Nagar, Kurla West. SARRP volunteers led by Sheldon D’Souza visited the pond and confirmed its presence, providing crucial information to the authorities. “There is no natural forest or lake nearby, but the crocodile may have come from the Mithi river. Locals have been advised not to provoke it,” volunteer Sheldon D’Souza told mid-day.
The reptile was first reported from Sheetal talao in Ambedkar Nagar, Kurla, two weeks ago
Residents report frequent sightings and urged relocation, citing stone throwing at it by some locals. SARRP’s Asif Patrawala said, “We are ready to relocate the crocodile once the forest department approves. Immediate action is important for the safety of both the reptile and locals”
The marsh aka mugger, crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) is native to the Indian subcontinent, Myanmar, and parts of Iran. It inhabits freshwater environments such as rivers, lakes, and hill streams. Once common across the region, its populations have declined due to habitat destruction, hunting, and human encroachment.
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