Wildlife / Crocodile Attacks Spread Fear in Odisha Villages

Kendrapara, Aug 5: Villages along the rivers and canals of Kendrapara district are living in constant fear as crocodile attacks continue to claim lives.

Amid the flood situations and rise in water levels in these rivers and canals, the unsafe condition of bathing ghats maintained by the Forest Department has worsened the situation, allowing crocodiles easy access to villagers.

In Rajnagar and Pattamundai areas, residents face the threat of crocodiles regularly while fetching water, bathing, or washing clothes.

Also read: Flood Recedes, Deadly Visitors Move In: Venomous Cobra Found Inside Bhadrak Home

Despite government spending lakhs of rupees to construct bathing ghats, years of neglect and lack of repairs have left them broken and unsafe. Protective barriers have collapsed, enabling crocodiles to enter these ghats freely.

Recently, a shocking incident came to light in Balichandrapur village under Rajpur Panchayat. Local resident Khyamanidhi Das was attacked by a crocodile while bathing.

After a prolonged struggle, he managed to escape with serious injuries and is currently undergoing treatment at a medical facility.

Another tragic case was reported from Pattamundai, where a woman went missing after visiting the Brahmani river. Her belongings, including slippers and a brush, were found near the riverbank, raising fears that she was dragged away by a crocodile. The incident has spread panic among villagers, who now hesitate to approach the river.

Authorities have issued a helpline number for reporting crocodile sightings or attacks, but locals argue that preventive measures are more critical. With basic water facilities lacking in many villages, residents are forced to rely on rivers, increasing their vulnerability to not only crocodile, but also poisonous snake encounters.

Wildlife experts note that crocodile attacks have become an annual menace in Kendrapara, claiming several lives each year. In light of the growing threat, villagers are demanding stronger safety infrastructure and regular maintenance of bathing ghats to protect lives.