Crocodiles: Villagers plead for coexistence with crocodiles despite tragic loss | News from Vadodara

Vadodara: Only a month ago, Kishan Tadvi's father was tragically killed by a large crocodile in Orsang Flow near Dabhoi. But unlike many others who have experienced similar tragedies, Kishan neither panicked nor demanded that the crocodile be removed.
Remarkably, the same reptile has two more Villagers This year, however, Kishan and many others in the surrounding villages do not consider the crocodile as an enemy.
Surprisingly, the residents of Orsang river have chosen to coexist with these reptiles. “The river is the natural habitat of crocodiles; it is humans who are encroaching on their habitat and not the other way around,” said Kishan, a resident of Bhalodara village. He added:
“The crocodile killed my father, but that only happened because he went into the river. Just as we feel threatened when a stranger enters our house, Crocodiles are simply acting on their natural instincts. I would never want the crocodile that killed my father or any other reptile to be removed from their home.”
The three-metre-long crocodile attacked Kishan's father Pravin when he went into the water to herd his goats.
Another villager, Ahul Maachi, said, “Crocodiles become particularly protective and aggressive when their eggs hatch. Instead of blaming crocodiles for these attacks, we should all avoid the river during this time. During monsoon, we make a conscious effort to stay away from the water.”
This year alone, several villagers have been attacked by crocodiles in the Orsang river, including 22-year-old Mehul Virambhai in April and 60-year-old Lalji Vasava in June. Despite these incidents, the villagers have not turned hostile towards the crocodiles. “Most locals go into the river to tend to their livestock or to take care of their personal hygiene,” said Alkesh Maachi (Murli), a trustee of the Nature Help Foundation in Dabhoi.
“We have conducted awareness campaigns and advised people to avoid the river during certain months. Many now prefer to live peacefully with the crocodiles.”

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