Port Blair, June 1: In a proactive effort to reduce human-crocodile conflicts, the South Andaman Division conducted awareness programmes at various places viz. Tushnabad, Ramnagar, Caddlegunj, Sona Pahad, Ferrargunj, Saitankhadi Jn., Mathura, Alipur villages today. During the programme, the villagers/ fishermen were advised not to dump fish waste, meat leftovers and carcass of animals in the nallah/ creeks and to take sufficient precaution while moving in the flooded areas adjoining to the creeks/ nallah.

Following incessant rain occurring in these Islands, there may be chances of crocodiles straying in the flooded areas adjoining nallahs and creeks. Such presence of crocodiles in the flooded areas increases the chance of human-crocodile conflict. So, in order to avert such untoward incidents, the general public have been advised not to get into the creeks/ nallah, mangrove areas/ submerged areas for fishing or other purposes where precautionary/ warning signboards have been placed by the Forest Department.

Further, the Poultry/ Meat Shop owners/ Hoteliers/ general public have also been advised not to dispose fish/ animal waste/ dead animals in the nallahs/ creeks, as it would attract crocodiles and subsequently, it may become permanent resident of crocodile.