Rahul Singh & Vikramaditya
Sri Vijaya Puram: A 3.73-metre-long male saltwater crocodile was safely rescued from the Magar Nala area of Campbell Bay and subsequently released into a suitable natural habitat in the Galathia River area by the Forest Department.
The crocodile had been regularly sighted in the area for nearly two weeks. Following the sightings, the Forest Department had been closely monitoring the area and had taken measures to safely capture and relocate the reptile.
As part of the planned rescue effort, a cage had been installed in the area around 15 days earlier. The team continued to monitor crocodile movement and maintained a close watch on the location to ensure that the animal could be rescued safely.
At around 10:45 am on September 12, the crocodile was found inside the cage. The Forest Department team immediately initiated the rescue operation, taking all necessary precautions to ensure the safety of both the animal and the personnel involved. The crocodile was successfully brought under control and secured without causing any harm to it.
The rescued crocodile was identified as a male measuring 373 cm in total length. Its head length was recorded at 60 cm, while the forelimb measured 44 cm and the hind limb measured 55 cm.
The entire operation was Supervised by Mr. Rabi Kant Singh IFS Divisional Forest Officer, Nicobar Division and Mr. Rajendra Verma SFS, assistant Conservator of Forest Nicobar Division. The Assistant Commissioner, Campbell Bay, Mr. Shivam Tashi Dhawa was also present during the rescue mission. The rescue operation was carried out under the leadership of Range Officer Mr. Nikhil Chandra Mandal, with Camp Officer Protection Mr. Nabin Sarkar, Camp Officer, Mr. Mohammed Sakib, Forest Guard, and expert Mr. Ravisankar Poddar, Forest Guard, playing key roles in the operation. They were assisted by Forest Guard Mr. Mohammed Smile, labourer Mr. Bishwajit Joidhar, Mr. Rohit Biswas, Mr. K. Aziz and 12 other dedicated labourers.
After the crocodile was safely rescued and necessary checks were completed, the animal was transported and released at the Galathia River area at around 6:45 pm. The relocation was undertaken with the objective of moving the crocodile away from the regularly inhabited area and placing it in a suitable natural environment where it could continue to live safely.
The successful operation reflected the coordinated efforts of the Forest Department personnel and supporting staff. The safe rescue and relocation of the crocodile also ensured that the animal was protected while maintaining the safety of people living and working in the surrounding area.
