Chennai: A crocodile sighting in Tamil Nadu’s Chidambaram has sparked panic among locals. Crocodile sighting in Tamil Nadu’s Chidambaram often occurs after heavy rainfall and excess water release from the Kollidam River pushes the reptiles into nearby villages. The Tamil Nadu Forest Department responded swiftly. They issued a public alert and launched an awareness campaign to ensure public safety.
Forest Range Officer Vasanth Bhaskar, along with Forester Panneerselvam and Forest Guard Anbumani, led teams through Velakkudi, Agaranallur, and Pazhaiyannallur villages on Saturday. They distributed pamphlets, warned families directly, and urged them to stay away from canals, ponds, and low-lying areas. These areas are where crocodiles were recently spotted, especially following reports of a crocodile sighting in Tamil Nadu’s Chidambaram.
“We told residents not to enter or wash clothes in open waterbodies and to stay cautious, especially at night,” said Forest Range Officer Bhaskar.
Officials explained that the rising water levels in the Kollidam River displaced several crocodiles from their natural habitats. This forced them into flooded fields and irrigation canals. The Old Kollidam, a major branch of the Cauvery River, has carried large volumes of surplus water released upstream. This was due to continuous monsoon rainfall.
To prevent accidents, forest personnel have increased patrols along riverbanks and set up warning signs in vulnerable areas. A recent crocodile sighting in Tamil Nadu’s Chidambaram has heightened awareness throughout the district.
Meanwhile, Cuddalore district, including Chidambaram town, continues to face heavy flooding after five consecutive days of rain. Many homes and schools remain waterlogged.
Amid the chaos, rescue teams tackled another threat five snakes entered homes and classrooms seeking shelter from the water. Fire and Rescue Services Officer P. Manimaran led operations to safely capture and release the reptiles in nearby forest zones.
“We found snakes inside two schools and three homes near Annamalai University and VNS Nagar,” Manimaran said.
Authorities urged residents to stay alert, avoid flooded zones, and immediately report any wildlife sightings to the Forest Department or rescue teams.
–IANS
