Conflict zone

The man-crocodile conflict along the Krishna river and its tributaries in Sangli and Kolhapur districts is no more an occasional one. Last week’s incident happened in Bramhanal village in Sangli,located at the union of the Krishna and Verala rivers,a major crocodile territory.

Deputy sarpanch Uttam Bandgar says,“Bramhanal has a population of 3,500 and most of us are farmers. Some of us do fishing. It is not possible for us to remain away from the river. So we do our routine activities,but under the constant fear of crocodile attacks.”

Here in Bramhanal,Verala river meets Krishna and there is enough water throughout the year. Earlier,the Verala would dry up by December and the crocodiles would move out of here. But about 20 years ago,the government constructed a barrage upstream on Verala river at Digraj village near Bramhanal. That ensured that Bramhanal got more than its share of water but the brimming river also made it favourable for the crocodiles. Villagers say there are about 15 crocodiles in the one kilometre stretch between Bramhanal and Digraj.

Ajit Patil,a wild life researcher from the Sangli-based NGO,River Valley Expedition and Research Society,says,“Bramhanal has always been known for its crocodiles. A British government gazette in 1876 says that the union of the Krishna and Verala rivers is a major breeding centre for crocodiles. Here,we get to see the mugger or marsh crocodiles and they are not man eaters.”

Patil says the man-crocodile conflict has increased due to the increasing human activities in the area. “There were incidents of villagers killing crocodiles. And when crocodiles attacked the cattle in their villages,people would destroy the eggs laid by crocodiles,” he says.

Besides,villagers lift huge amounts of soil from the river,which disturbs the crocodiles’ habitat. The religious festivities that are held on the banks of the river during Mahashivratri and Ram Navami also add to the chaos.

“We believe that humans have invaded the crocodiles’ territory. And the only way to control the conflict is by following certain precautionary measures like making sure people wash clothes only at designated spots. Also,they should avoid dumping animal carcass and other things on the river bank and know when to fish,” he says.

K G Mujavar,sub divisional forest officer says,“After the fatal attack in Bramhanal last week,we are setting up awareness boards that will be installed along the banks. We have plans to build washing cages at certain spots so people can wash their clothes and utensils there without fearing the crocodiles.”