Forest Department submits to govt. DPR on crocodile conservation centre at Anaikarai

The Thanjavur Forest Division has submitted to the government a detailed project report (DPR) for the establishment of the crocodile conservation centre at Anaikarai along the Kollidam in Thanjavur district.

The Thanjavur Forest Division has submitted to the government a detailed project report (DPR) for the establishment of the crocodile conservation centre at Anaikarai along the Kollidam in Thanjavur district.

The report details various components, including human-crocodile conflict at Anaikarai and a slew of facilities planned at the centre besides giving insights on conservation and the research study to be carried out. It has suggestions for preventing human-crocodile conflict at Anaikarai.

The centre is to be established by the Forest Department at a cost of ₹2.5 crore. The State government had issued an order in October sanctioning ₹32 lakh initially to carry out a research study, for the preparation of the DPR, and to organise awareness programmes besides for procurement of equipment for capture and handling of the reptiles.

A Forest Department official said the DPR was submitted recently to the higher authorities for approval. Anaikarai was chosen for the establishment of the centre as it houses a significant habitat of mugger crocodiles in Tamil Nadu.

Located along the Kollidam, Anaikarai borders the districts of Ariyalur and Cuddalore where mugger habitats exist. Throughout the country, mugger crocodiles are threatened by the conversion of their natural habitats and poaching. Being a critical habitat, a comprehensive conservation programme is essential for maintaining a viable number of the species along with mitigation of human-crocodile conflict at Anaikarai. 

Mugger crocodile is a species of the crocodilian family widely distributed in the country. They are known to inhabit rivers, lakes, hill streams, and ponds and can live in natural freshwater habitats and man-made reservoirs. The male and female of the species are similar by looks except for their variation in size. These crocodiles are known to float on water surface with their eyes and snout above the water surface. 

A host of facilities has been proposed at the conservation centre such as the Interpretation Centre, Display Block, Eco Cafe, watch tower, ponds, pools, parking area, a 3-D theatre to experience the crocodile world, pathways and an audio visual room.  The centre will have a nature park to attract tourists. Construction of GI chain link mesh fencing at vulnerable points and creation of fenced bathing spots to safeguard local people from human-crocodile conflict has been proposed. This is one among the mitigation measures suggested in the DPR besides creation of crocodile conservation zones.