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The recent heavy rainfall in Gujarat has resulted in severe flooding, leading to an unusual surge in crocodile sightings in residential areas of Vadodara. The Vishwamitri River, home to approximately 440 crocodiles, has overflowed due to water release from the Ajwa dam, forcing these reptiles to venture into human settlements. Videos have emerged on social media showcasing the alarming presence of crocodiles in residential areas, including one instance of a crocodile spotted on a house terrace and another seen carrying a dog in its jaws. The most striking image, however, is a video depicting two men transporting a crocodile on a scooter to the forest department in Vadodara, sparking widespread discussion and amusement online.
The video, shared on X (formerly Twitter), shows two Indian Medical Association (IMA) volunteers securing the crocodile with ropes before transporting it. The caption accompanying the video translates to “The crocodile will also remember the joy of travelling on a two-wheeler. Actually, two young men are taking the crocodile that came out of the Vishwamitra river to the forest department office.” The video has garnered over 57,000 views and has ignited a flurry of reactions on social media, with users expressing a mix of amusement, concern, and admiration for the volunteers' actions.
While the sight of a crocodile being transported on a scooter is undoubtedly unusual, the situation highlights the challenges posed by the floods. The forest department has rescued 24 crocodiles and 75 other animals, including snakes, cobras, turtles, and a porcupine, from residential areas. With the water level in the Vishwamitri River receding, the rescued animals will be released back into their natural habitat. The incident underscores the importance of understanding the impact of human activities on the environment and the need to ensure the safety of both wildlife and human communities.
Source: Gujarat Men Transport Crocodile on Two-wheeler, Internet Says ‘India is Not for Beginners’