Port Blair, Feb 16: Seeking urgent attention towards the Human-Crocodile Conflict in A&N Islands, the Member of Parliament, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Shri. Kuldeep Rai Sharma has requested the Hon’ble Lt. Governor, Andaman and Nicobar Islands to address this serious issue.

In a letter addressed to the Lt. Governor, the Member of Parliament mentioned that the Human-Crocodile Conflict has resulted in several tragic incidents over the past few years, with several people losing their lives to crocodile attacks in various parts of the islands. Many of the victims of crocodile attacks were single breadwinners of the family and after their death, family members are going through difficult times.

He added that the problem is particularly severe in areas such as South Andaman as well as North and Middle Andaman area, where the livelihood of the residents depends heavily on fishing. The fishermen are forced to venture into the sea and Nallas, putting themselves at great risk of crocodile attacks.

He mentioned that children in some villages have to cross nallah to reach schools and they live under constant fear of crocodile attack in other villages fishermen are unable to earn their livelihood, and islanders are forced to venture into dangerous waters to carry out their daily chores.

The Member of Parliament mentioned that this problem is also affecting the tourism industry in the Islands, with several beaches being closed due to the risk of crocodile attacks. This is having a major impact on the local economy, especially for the youths, who are connected to the tourism industry and depend on it for their livelihood.

Given the urgency of the situation, it is imperative that a long-term solution be found to address the human-crocodile conflict in Andaman & Nicobar Islands, said the MP.

The Member of Parliament suggested few measures to mitigate the problem:

Electronic tagging of crocodiles is required to monitor movement of ‘man-eater’ crocodiles in real-time. Electronic Tagging will also help us to monitor the pattern of movement of crocodiles in these Islands.

Placing double safety nets in all Tourist beaches.

Relocating all crocodiles from populated areas to uninhabited Islands.

Implementing stricter regulations to ensure that crocodile hatchlings are not released in close proximity to human habitations.

Early, issue of suitable compensation to the family members of crocodile attack victims.