Sighting of Crocodile in Mathura Nallah Raises Safety Concerns for Locals

John Wilbert & Vikramaditya
Port Blair, May 30: The recent sighting of a large crocodile in the Nallah connecting Mathura Area in Bambooflat has sparked deep concerns among residents living near the waterway. The presence of the crocodile has raised fears for the safety of both the local population and their livestock.
According to local villagers, a massive crocodile was spotted yesterday evening in the Nallah from the concrete bridge of Mathura village. Residents shared that such sightings have occurred in the past as well. Coming monsoon will certainly cause a rise in water levels in the Nallah and hence villagers fear that more crocodiles could be sighted in the coming days, increasing the possibility of crocodile attacks.
In response to the complaints from the locals, Andaman Sheekha reached out to a senior officer from the Forest Department to inquire about the steps being taken to mitigate any potential human-animal conflict. The officer stated that the wildlife team of the Forest Department has already examined the area and deployed staff to monitor the situation closely.
To address the issue, the Forest Department is planning to install cages in the Nallah to trap the crocodiles. The officer assured that these traps will be placed in strategic locations promptly to capture the crocodiles and ensure the safety of the local residents.