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Chennai, Oct 26 (IANS) The Tamil Nadu Forest Department has issued a public alert and launched an awareness campaign in several villages along the banks of the Old Kollidam river after crocodiles were spotted in the area following the release of heavy water from the main Kollidam river.
Teams led by forest range officer Vasanth Bhaskar, forester Panneerselvam and forest guard Anbumani visited villages including Velakkudi, Agaranallur and Pazhaiyanallur on Saturday to warn residents and distribute pamphlets outlining safety measures.
Officials went door-to-door to caution people against entering canals, ponds or low-lying water bodies where crocodile activity had been reported recently.
Forest range officer Vasant Bhaskar said, “We have advised people not to enter open water bodies or wash clothes and remain alert especially during the night.”
“The rising water levels have pushed many crocodiles into nearby streams and flooded fields. Their activities have been observed near river banks and irrigation canals.
The Kollidam River, a major tributary of the Kaveri, is carrying huge amounts of surplus water due to the ongoing monsoon rains.
Forest officials believe that the sudden increase in water flow has displaced crocodiles from their normal habitats, bringing them closer to human settlements.
Apart from the wildlife alert, several parts of Cuddalore district, including Chidambaram town, are inundated due to continuous heavy rains for the last five days.
Local officials said residential colonies and school campuses in low-lying areas have been waterlogged.
Adding to the concern of residents, five snakes were rescued from different parts of the city, which had entered houses and classrooms in search of dry shelter. Fire and rescue service personnel led by station officer P. Manimaran safely captured the reptiles and released them in nearby forest areas.
“Snakes were found in Chidambaram Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Ramakrishna Higher Secondary School, a house near Annamalai University Agricultural College in Annamalai Nagar, one in VNS Nagar and a house in Malaikatti Street,” Manimaran said.
Officials have urged the public to remain alert, avoid visiting flooded areas and report any sighting of wild animals to the forest department or local rescue teams.
–IANS
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