Close Coordination Between Departments/ Agencies Needed to Take Precautionary Measures: LG

Port Blair, July 25: The Lt Governor, A&N Islands today reviewed the preparedness for averting crocodile attacks in a meeting attended by Chief Secretary, Principal Chief Conservator of Forests & Chief Wildlife Warden of A & N Administration.

The Lt. Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) AK Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM during the review meeting emphasized that awareness among the local public living adjacent to creeks and nallahs should be taken up on top priority. The awareness campaign should be taken up with the help of electronic and print media regularly.

He also said that the DFOs in collaboration with the PRI members should create awareness among the local residents in a pro-active manner especially during monsoon and the breeding season of crocodile (April to August). During Gram Sabhas/ public gatherings/ local melas the forest officials should take up mass awareness campaigns in a prominent way. The people should be advised against venturing into the areas inhabited by crocodiles.

Crocodile gets attracted towards human habitations due to disposal of animal waste. Special efforts should be taken by the District Administration/ Police Authorities to prevent disposal/ dumping of poultry waste/ fish waste/ dead animals/ cattle/ dogs/ animal waste in the creek areas. Punitive action should be taken against the violators.

In beaches frequented by tourists, the Lt. Governor desired that patrolling using motor boats of Police Department should be carried out with trained guards equipped with implements to handle emergency situations. The possibility of fixing nets in beaches should be explored. A Rapid Response Team shall also be thought of for promptly responding and taking necessary action immediately after an attack of crocodile.

The Lt. Governor further directed that there should be close coordination among all the departments/ agencies concerned - Forest, Police, Tourism, District Administration, PRI members in taking all precautionary measures for averting any attack by crocodile in future.