What Caused the Crocodile Sightings in Tamil Nadu's Chidambaram Village?
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Synopsis
A public alert has been issued in Tamil Nadu's Chidambaram village due to crocodile sightings linked to flooding. The Forest Department is actively engaging local residents with safety measures to prevent potential encounters. Heavy rains have exacerbated the wildlife situation, prompting rescues of snakes and urging vigilance among the community.
Key Takeaways
- Crocodile sightings have led to public alerts in Chidambaram.
- The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is actively engaging communities.
- Residents are advised to stay away from open water bodies.
- Heavy rains have exacerbated flooding in Cuddalore district.
- Wildlife encounters are increasing due to environmental changes.
Chennai, Oct 26 (NationPress) The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has raised a public alert and initiated an awareness campaign across various villages along the Old Kollidam River after the appearance of crocodiles in the area due to significant water discharge from the main Kollidam River.
Teams, under the leadership of Forest Range Officer Vasanth Bhaskar, Forester Panneerselvam, and Forest Guard Anbumani, visited communities including Velakkudi, Agaranallur, and Pazhaiyannallur on Saturday to alert residents and hand out pamphlets detailing safety protocols.
The officials conducted door-to-door visits, warning individuals against entering canals, ponds, or low-lying bodies of water where recent crocodile activities have been reported.
"We advised residents to avoid entering or washing clothes in open water bodies and to stay cautious, particularly during nighttime," stated Forest Range Officer Vasanth Bhaskar.
"The elevated water level has driven numerous crocodiles into nearby streams and flooded fields. Their movements have been observed close to riverbanks and irrigation canals.
The Kollidam River, a significant distributary of the Cauvery, has been carrying substantial amounts of excess water released upstream due to the ongoing monsoon rains.
Forest officials suspect that the abrupt surge in water flow has caused crocodiles to abandon their natural habitats, bringing them nearer to populated areas.
Alongside the wildlife alert, persistent heavy rainfall over the last five days has led to flooding in various regions of Cuddalore district, including Chidambaram town.
Local authorities reported that residential neighborhoods and school grounds in low-lying zones have been affected by waterlogging.
Compounding residents' concerns, five snakes were rescued from various locations in the town after they entered homes and classrooms in search of dry refuge. Personnel from Fire and Rescue Services, led by Station Officer P. Manimaran, safely captured the reptiles and relocated them to nearby forests.
"The snakes were discovered at Chidambaram Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Ramakrishna Higher Secondary School, a residence near Annamalai University Agricultural College in Annamalainagar, another in VNS Nagar, and one in Malaikatti Street," Manimaran mentioned.
Officials have urged the public to exercise caution, refrain from entering flooded regions, and report any wild animal sightings to the Forest Department or local rescue teams.
Point of View
The developments in Chidambaram highlight the intricate relationship between wildlife and environmental changes. The proactive measures taken by the Tamil Nadu Forest Department serve as a model for managing wildlife within human-dominated landscapes, reinforcing the importance of community awareness and safety.
NationPress
27/10/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the public alert in Chidambaram?
The alert was issued due to crocodile sightings following heavy water discharge from the main Kollidam River, prompting safety measures to protect residents.
What safety measures are being promoted to residents?
Residents are advised to avoid entering open water bodies and to exercise caution, especially at night.
How has the weather impacted the local area?
Continuous heavy rain has led to flooding in Cuddalore district, affecting residential areas and prompting the rescue of snakes.
Who is leading the awareness campaign?
The campaign is led by Forest Range Officer Vasanth Bhaskar, along with his team.
What should residents do if they see a crocodile?
Residents are urged to report any crocodile sightings to the Forest Department or local rescue teams immediately.
