City of crocs: Vadodara’s Vishwamitri home to 442 crocodiles

Monsoon is a time when  spotting crocodiles on the streets of Vadodara is a common sight. The reason for their growing numbers is their presence in the 21-kilometre-long Vishwamitri River, which flows right through the heart of the city.

In February, the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, the Forest department, and the Vadodara Municipal Corporation jointly carried out a crocodile census in the Vishwamitri River within city limits.

According to the latest figures from this survey, Vadodara is now home to 442 crocodiles. In the last census, conducted in 2020, the number was estimated at 275. This means that in the past five years, the crocodile population has seen a significant increase.

According to Ritesh Gahelot, former director of GEER Foundation and a participant in the counting exercise, the survey was carried out using scientific methods, both during the day and at night. The findings have been submitted to the Forest department and the municipal corporation. Preliminary results indicate a clear rise in the crocodile population. Experts also point out that although human populations have increased along both banks of the river, crocodiles have successfully adapted to coexist. Interestingly, despite the large number of crocodiles, incidents of attacks on humans in the city are extremely rare.

Minimal human interference due to pollution

Pratyush Patankar, curator of Vadodara Zoo, says that human interference in the Vishwamitri River is minimal, mainly because the river’s  polluted water is of no use to people. Even so, fish are still found in the river. These fish, along with stray dogs and pigs that come near the riverbanks, serve as a steady food source for the crocodiles, another reason for their growing numbers.

Crocodile population in different river stretches

Akota Bridge to Dena: 220

Kalali to Talsat: 77

Akota Bridge to Mujmahuda: 55

Vadsar Bridge to Kalali: 48

Mujmahuda to Vadsar: 42