4-feet crocodile spotted in local pond in Pahel village, Mangaon; rescue operation underway | File Photo
A 4 feet long crocodile strayed into a local pond has created quite a stir within the Pahel village in Mangaon. The giant reptile was sighted by locals basking along the banks of the pond. Rescue operation is underway to capture the crocodile safely. Around 100 odd families possessing livestock in the village frequent the pond as it is stated to be one of the sources of water for animals.
The village is situated over 100 km away from Alibag and has a total population of over 2000 odd people. The pond wherein the crocodile is seen is also used for immersion of idols. Concerned for the safety of the locals as well as animals, the village sarpanch on Tuesday sought from authorities to capture and rescue the reptile.
“This pond is largely used for cattle to drink water but owing to the presence of the crocodile now villagers are staying away from the area. As the daily routine of the villagers was getting disrupted, help was sought” said the deputy sarpanch of the village, Haridas Karade.
The letter was addressed by the village sarpanch Karishma Manjare to Sahayadri Vanjeev Rakshanarth Samajik Sanstha (SVRSS). The organization alongwith the forest department is known for rescuing wild animals across Raigad.
Accordingly, the team on Wednesday visited the pond and after observing the movement of the crocodile, on Thursday placed a metal cage filled with fishes. “Before placing of the trap it is essential to know its mannerism as well as the timing when it comes out for basking in the sun. The crocodile seems to have swam its way from an adjoining lake during high tide. The trap net has the mechanism whereby when an animal gets inside the lever attached to the gate snaps and the door gets shut,” said the founder of SVRSS Sagar Dahimbekar. Repeated attempts to contact the range forest officer went answered.
