During the monsoon, spotting crocodiles on Vadodara’s streets is not unusual. Their growing presence is linked to the 21-km-long Vishwamitri River, which runs through the city.
According to a media report, In February, the Gujarat Ecological Education and Research (GEER) Foundation, the Forest Department, and the Vadodara Municipal Corporation conducted a crocodile census along the river within city limits.
The latest survey shows Vadodara now has 442 crocodiles, a sharp rise from the 275 recorded in 2020—marking a significant population growth in just five years.
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