Kendrapada, Feb 25: The crocodile hatchery at Dangamala, which had been shutdown since 2013 for renovation has finally reopened for the visitors and tourists from the last Monday. The 43 year-old complex which has been renovated & newly re-designed under the integrated coastal zone management (ICZM) programme at a cost of Rs 57 lakh by the forest department, will provide a favorable environment for the croc kiddos.
The breeding of the estuarine or Salt water crocodile crocodiles and rearing programme was earlier stopped by the forest dept. five years ago, as their population escalated above 1600 from 96 in 1974. But for the tourists to have a glimpse of baby crocs, the department has renovated the facility along with a few eggs have also been collected for their breeding inside the centre for the tourists and researchers to see.
To be noted, around mid nineteen seventies, the population of these salt water crocodiles had gone down to a critical level, leaving only a small viable population in the main Bhitarkanika river and few adjoining creeks. The decline of population was mostly due to over exploitation, poaching and indiscriminate hunting. The Croc hatchery at Dangamala was started by the Ministry of forest and environment in collaboration with UNDP in 1974 to save these greatly endangered species from extinction. This entire mangrove habitat was declared as Bhitarkanika Wildlife Sanctuary on 22.4.1975 to protect the Salt Water Crocodiles.The project has also been named a big success after increasing population growth of crocs in the area. Earlier in 2006, a 23-foot long salt-water crocodile was seen in the Bhitarkanika, which was recorded by the Guinness Book as the world’s largest crocodile.
Three-years ago a construction company who was responsible for the renovation of the facility made errors in renovation, as it put up green sheets for roofing up of the croc complex. But kiddo crocs need sunlight and rain water in monsoon for their survival. And this made the facility useless for the crocodile hatchlings.
