Port Blair, Aug 20: Following the incessant rain occurring in Andaman and Nicobar Islands and recent incidences of crocodile attack on human due to wandering of crocodiles in flooded areas adjoining Creeks and Nallahs, the PCCF(WL) Mr G.N.Sinha, had ordered all the DFOs to be vigilant in crocodile prone area. Such presence of crocodiles in the flooded areas increases the chance of man-animal conflict.
In order to avert any untoward incident, the general public have been requested to avoid activities in the flooded areas and not to set off their domestic animals on free ranching. They have also been requested not to dispose fish/animal waste in the nallahs as it would attract crocodiles and may become permanent resident in such areas.
They are also requested to take sufficient precautions while using the nallahs draining into the sea. If the animal is seen in a human habitation or tourist spot, stay clear of it and alert authorities viz. Chief Wildlife Warden, ANI, Vanyaprani Bhavan, Chatham, Port Blair (Ph.03192-233270), Director (Tourism) (Ph.03192-230933), Police Control Room- 100, Forest Control Room- 03192-244166/245229, Divisional Forest Officer (South Andaman) Mobile WLL No.03192-200638, Deputy Conservator of Forests, Wildlife Division, Haddo WLL No.03192-200754, Divisional Conservator of Forests, Baratang WLL No.200755, Divisional Conservator of Forests, Middle Andaman WLL No.200684, Divisional Conservator of Forests, Mayabunder WLL No.201253, Divisional Conservator of Forests, Mayabunder, Wildlife WLL No.200184, Divisional Conservator of Forests, Diglipur WLL No.201850, Divisional Conservator of Forests, Little Andaman landline No.03192-284335, Divisional Conservator of Forests, Nicobar Division landline No.03192- 264243,
DO’s
1. Obey all crocodile warning signs; they are there for your safety and protection.
2. Always stand a minimum of five meters from the water’s edge when fishing.
3. Be vigilant when launching or retrieving your boat in Nallah’s or Creeks.
4. Swim only in designated safe swimming areas.
5. During heavy rains crocodiles tend to move due to flash floods in search of dry area for basking or for food. In such times stay away from flooded areas and keep your surrounding clear of animal wastes.
6. Remain calm. If you are in a swamp or Nallah, chances are crocodile will go away. However, for your own safety stay clear of the area.
7. When attacked by a crocodile, try to attack on its eyes to loosen its grip and run to shore for help.
8. By standers shall help the victim and observe for any visible identity of the animal like size, injury on its body for restraining the animal if found problematic.
DON’T’s
1. Never clean utensils or fishes or meat near water edge.
2. Avoid returning regularly to the same spot at the water’s edge for various activities.
3. Never dispose of food scraps and meat wastes in Nallah or Creeks.
4. Do not dangle body parts outside boat during boat ride.
5. Never provoke, harass or interfere with crocodiles, including small ones. They can run at high speed (up to 17 Kilometer per hour) and swiftly attack even on ground.
6. Don’t let your domestic animal on free grazing near Nallah or Swamps as it would attract crocodiles.
