Concerns Emerge Following Deaths of Four Crocodiles in Chandraloi River Due to Pollution

The recent deaths of four crocodiles within four days in the Chandraloi River have raised alarms among wildlife activists. They blame the river's high pollution levels for these fatalities. Officials note that crocodiles are protected under Schedule-1-C of the Wildlife Protection Act. Veterinary experts suspect poisoning in one case, involving a 15-year-old female crocodile, whose autopsy showed no signs of injury or disease.

The body of this young female crocodile, about seven feet long, was found in the river, a tributary of the Chambal River, near Ramkhedi village on Tuesday. The carcasses of three other crocodiles were discovered at the same location over the weekend. Among them were two crocodiles aged 10 and nine years. There is no indication of a mass casualty event among the river's crocodile population.

Pollution Concerns and Investigations

One crocodile reportedly died from natural causes, while samples from the other three have been sent for analysis. The cause of their deaths will be determined once the results are available, according to DFO Apoorva Krishna Shrivastav. Shrivastav dismissed suspected poisoning as a cause since hundreds of crocodiles inhabit the river, suggesting that if there were a major water issue, more casualties would have occurred.

Meanwhile, a forest department team is conducting continuous patrols in the area. The Pollution Control Board has been tasked with collecting water samples from the river to assess pollutant levels. The Chandraloi River originates from a stream in Alania near Kota and becomes a rivulet as it flows through the city for about 15 km. During its course, it absorbs chemical and human waste from industries and residential areas before joining the Chambal River near Manasgaon.

Conservation Efforts and Future Plans

Wildlife activist Brijesh Vijayvargiya emphasised the importance of keeping the river free from pollutants due to its significant crocodile population. Vijayvargiya, associated with NGO Jal Biradari, suggested developing the area into a crocodile park to conserve both the river and its aquatic life.

The situation highlights ongoing concerns about pollution's impact on wildlife habitats. Authorities continue to monitor and investigate to prevent further incidents. Ensuring clean water in such ecosystems is crucial for protecting vulnerable species like these crocodiles.