As the Tungabhadra river recedes due to low rainfall, crocodiles are being stranded on banks, leading to incidents of cruelty by locals in Kurnool. Forest officials have issued a stern warning against such harassment.

  • Receding water levels in the Tungabhadra River are exposing crocodiles on riverbanks.
  • Villagers in Kurnool's Naguladinne were caught on video beating a mugger crocodile.
  • The Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 mandates up to 7 years of imprisonment for harming protected species.

In a distressing incident from the Kurnool district of Andhra Pradesh, local villagers reportedly dragged and beat a mugger crocodile that had become stranded due to the shrinking water levels of the Tungabhadra River. The incident occurred near Naguladinne in the Nandavaram mandal, where a viral video captured locals using ropes and sticks to harass the reptile.

The Impact of Receding Water Levels

Kurnool District Forest Officer (DFO) P. Shyamala explained that poor rainfall has significantly lowered the river's water levels. This environmental shift is forcing crocodiles into shallow, stagnant stretches, making them vulnerable to human interference. As the water recedes, more crocodiles are appearing on the banks, increasing the risk of human-wildlife conflict.

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Harassing or harming crocodiles is a punishable offense under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, carrying a potential sentence of seven years.

BozokMedia analysis shows that such incidents are often driven by a lack of awareness regarding wildlife laws and the biological necessity of these predators in the river ecosystem. As habitats change due to climate fluctuations, the frequency of these encounters is expected to rise.

Legal Implications and Government Response

The DFO emphasized that crocodiles are protected under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. This provides them the highest level of legal protection in India. Any act of chasing, pelting stones, or beating these animals is a serious crime. The Andhra Pradesh Forest Department has also launched the HANUMAN initiative to monitor and assist wildlife in distress, recently rescuing a stranded mugger crocodile in a similar manner.

Emergency Contact Information

Authorities have urged citizens to maintain a safe distance and contact forest officials immediately instead of attempting to intervene themselves. Key contacts include:

  • Kurnool Range Forest Officer: 8332959889
  • Adoni Range Forest Office: 9703554453
Did You Know?: The Mugger crocodile is an apex predator that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of river ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Why are crocodiles appearing on the riverbanks?
A: Low rainfall has caused the Tungabhadra River to recede, leaving crocodiles stranded in shallow areas.

Q2: What is the penalty for harming a crocodile?
A: Under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, harming a protected animal can result in up to seven years of imprisonment.