Volunteers rescue stranded crocodile on scooter amid floods in western India
by Aditi VermaIn the wake of severe flooding in western India’s Gujarat, a video of Indian Medical Association (IMA) volunteers transporting a stranded crocodile on a scooter has garnered widespread attention on social media.
The incident took place in Manjalpur area of Vadodara and the video went viral on August 31.
Visuals showed two IMA volunteers transporting one of the rescued crocodiles on a scooter. The crocodile’s mouth was securely taped, and it was held by a volunteer sitting on the pillion seat as they navigated through a busy road in Vadodara.
As Gujarat battles severe floods caused by incessant rains, Vadodara has faced a unique challenge: an unexpected surge in crocodile sightings. The flooding of the Vishwamitri River, which is home to a significant crocodile population, has led to these reptiles venturing into urban areas, posing a threat to residents.
Over the past four days, authorities, along with volunteers and NGOs, have rescued at least 25 crocodiles from various locations across Vadodara. Among these rescues was a man-eater crocodile that had previously been confined to Sayajibaug Zoo after it killed a 54-year-old woman in 2020. This particular crocodile was recaptured after it managed to escape its enclosure during the floods.
The situation highlights the ongoing efforts of local authorities and volunteers to ensure the safety of both residents and wildlife in the flood-affected areas.