Vadodara: Just a month ago, Kishan Tadvi's father was tragically killed by a large crocodile in the Orsang River near Dabhoi. However, unlike many others who have faced similar tragedies, Kishan chose not to panic or demand the removal of the crocodile. Remarkably, this same reptile has attacked two other villagers this year, yet Kishan and many others in the nearby villages do not see the crocodile as an enemy.
Surprisingly, the residents living along the Orsang River have chosen to co-exist with these reptiles. “The river is the natural habitat of crocodiles; it’s humans who encroach upon their home, not the other way around,” said Kishan, a resident of Bhalodara village. He added, “The crocodile killed my father, but it happened only because he entered the river.
Just as we feel threatened when a stranger enters our home, the crocodiles are simply acting on their natural instincts. I would never want the crocodile that killed my father, or any other reptile, to be removed from their home.” The crocodile, measuring 11 feet in length, had attacked Kishan's father, Pravin, when he entered the water to tend to his goats.
Another villager, Ahul Maachi, said, "Crocodiles become particularly protective and aggressive when their eggs hatch. Instead of blaming the crocodiles for these attacks, we should all avoid the river during that period. During the monsoons, we make a conscious effort to stay away from the water.
" This year alone, several villagers have been attacked.