TIMES OF INDIA (New Delhi) 07 October 13 Despite crocodile attacks, Goraj residents reluctant to act (Tushar Tere)
Vadodara: Despite being at the receiving end due to frequent crocodile attacks, residents of Goraj village don't seem to be in mood to take preventive steps. Animal activists, who have been studying the nature of crocodile attacks, said the locals are not ready to take up a project that can save lives in future. The activists say that even forest department is ready to help the villagers but there is lack of initiative.
On Sunday morning, 65-year-old Dahiben Parmar was dragged away by a crocodile from Dev river's bank in Goraj. This is the second such attack in last three months. The activists said they had asked the locals to take up a project to make a separate ovaaro (place to wash clothes and utensils).
"We have been asking the locals to build consensus among the villagers to construct a place that is at distance from river. Water is brought in from the river to the ovaaro that has some taps and sitting place. It's safe to wash clothes at such place. There is already one ovaaro in the village but it is not enough for all," said Vishal Thakur of the Canine group.
"All that the villagers have to do is to get a resolution passed in panchayat and submit it to the forest department. But they are not taking any initiative. If they don't act soon, many more such crocodile attacks may take place in future," Thakur told TOI.
Rakesh Vadhwana of crocodile group also said it is high time that the locals get into act. "Despite being warned to stay away from the riverbank, women keep flocking the spot. The only way out is to build a separate place for washing clothes," Vadhwana said. According to the locals, two crocodiles in the river have developed habit of attacking humans, as they are easy food.
Usually women wash clothes with their back facing the riverbank, so they don't notice crocodiles.
In last two years, over five such incidents have been reported in Goraj village. In August, Swarupa Parmar, resident of Goraj was dragged away by a crocodile and last year an 11-year-old girl was dragged away by crocodile in the same river.
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