Vadodara: Chaos erupted near Narhari Vishwamitri Bridge in Vadodara late Thursday night after an 8-foot-long crocodile emerged from the river and casually wandered across the road, leaving motorists and pedestrians in shock and fear. The incident, which occurred behind the Commissioner’s Bungalow near Narhari Hospital, brought traffic to a standstill as terrified commuters abandoned their vehicles and fled the scene.
"It looked like the crocodile was out for a night walk. People panicked and ran, while others pulled out their phones to shoot videos instead of helping," said a local resident, Dharmesh Patel, who witnessed the scene unfold.
The reptile, likely displaced due to rising water levels in the Vishwamitri River, was finally caged and rescued by a joint effort of the forest department and a wildlife rescue team. However, the operation wasn’t easy. A massive crowd gathered to watch the drama, making it difficult for rescuers to manage the scene.
“The crowd was a bigger challenge than the crocodile itself. But after a lot of effort, we were able to safely cage the animal,” said a rescue team member.
Crocodiles, Schedule-1 protected animals under the Wildlife Protection Act, are commonly found in the Vishwamitri River, but such close encounters with humans are rare and dangerous. Experts warn that crocodiles attack based on the vibrations and splashes they detect in water.
“Crocodiles lose around 60–70% of their vision underwater. They sense prey through waves in the water. Activities like washing clothes or utensils can trigger an attack,” explained a forest official.
In case of a fatal attack, the government provides a compensation of ₹4 lakh to the victim’s family.
Safety Precautions Near Crocodile-Infested Waters:
Avoid visiting riverbanks known for crocodile sightings.
Never turn your back to the river while washing.
Don’t go alone near water bodies.
Use motor pumps to draw water.
Keep cattle within 1 foot of the bank.
Request the forest department to install warning boards.
