52 crocodiles rescued in Vadodara after Gujarat floods

A 24-hour helpline has been made active to receive reports of crocodile sightings.

Forest Department officials along with wildlife activists have rescued 52 crocodiles from Vadodara district which was recently hit by flash floods. The rescue and release of crocodiles is being done by the district forest department in coordination with Wildlife SOS and Gujarat Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (GSPCA). A 24-hour helpline has been made active to receive reports of such sightings in the district.

The crocodiles were spotted in different parts of Vadodara (representational image). (Unsplash)

“As the water levels are receding, the crocodiles are migrating towards other water bodies. All of the rescued crocodiles have been released back into Vishwamitri River, which is their natural habitat,” said Nidhi Dave, Range Forest Officer in Vadodara.

A few days back, officials were successful in rescuing a massive 16-foot-long crocodile from slums near Karelibaug area of the district. Earlier too, several people shared videos and images on social media of the crocodiles being rescued or spotted.

Earlier this month, Gujarat received a heavy rainfall which led to an increase in the water level of several rivers causing them to burst into cities and creating a flood-like situation across several districts of the state.