Human-croc conflict impacting life in Odisha
The Hindu
People have stopped swimming, using rivers for transport fearing reptile attacks
Saltwater crocodiles, whosepopulation is booming in the wild after four decades of conservation near the Odisha coast, are now out to explore new territories, fuelling a conflict between the large semi-aquatic reptiles and humans.
Officially, the total human casualty in this human-crocodile interaction over the past 12 years is 26. As many as 22 persons have escaped with grievous injuries in crocodile attacks in Rajanagar Mangrove Forest Division in Kendrapara district during this period.
The number of human casualties and injuries, however, do not reflect the severity of the crisis. But, the nagging fear of the crocodile that has crept into mind of people appears to have impacted the way of life of riparian communities in Kendrapara.