A project to establish India’s first crocodile park near Navlakhi Compound has been indefinitely postponed due to lack of coordination between government departments. First  launched in 2008 by the corporation and the forest department, the project has faced numerous hurdles, resulting in a significant waste of public funds.

To address the issue of aquatic life, particularly the crocodiles spread over Vadsar to Vishwamitri river, a decision was made to create a crocodile park at a single location.

A survey was conducted to find a secure place for the crocodiles, and it was planned to build the park on 60 acres of open land near the Vishwamitri river behind the Navlakhi Ground. 

The project was conceived as a sanctuary for crocodiles inhabiting the Vishwamitri river, which flows through the heart of the city. As plans were underway to develop a riverfront along the lines of the Sabarmati river, concerns arose about the safety of both humans and crocodiles. 

Environmentalists opposed the use of heavy machinery in the river, citing the potential harm to aquatic life. Subsequently, the National Green Tribunal became involved in the matter.

The project started slowly and, later, Vadodara Municipal Commissioner H S Patel, upon taking office, realised that the 60 acres of land in Rajmahal’s ULC was intended for housing. However, due to the land's riverbank location and difficulties with excavation, it was not feasible for housing. 

So, Patel decided to transfer the land to the Forest department for creation of the crocodile park with approval from the Central Zoo Authority. The Forest department allocated a substantial amount of Rs 5 crore for fencing, which was completed.

Project flounders due to lack of coordination

The project faced issues due to poor coordination between the corporation and the state's revenue department. The process of transferring land from one department to another should not involve a financial transaction, according to government norms. However, the Audit department raised concerns about the land’s value, leading to a halt in the project due to unresolved disputes about land valuation.

Dispute over land transfer costs halts crocodile park

The project came to a standstill due to disputes over land transfer costs. Although the Revenue department had given its approval, the Audit department’s objections regarding the land’s cost led to the project being stalled for years.

Allocation of land for the crocodile park

60 acres of land were allocated for the crocodile park behind the artificial pond at Rajmahal’s Navlakhi Compound, with plans to create the country’s first crocodile conservation centre. Considering that crocodiles had made their homes in various safe places along the Vishwamitri river from Dena village to Vadsar, a decision was made to create a crocodile conservation centre for them in this region.

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