Pune: Alert sounded after crocodile hatchling found in Khadakwasla reservoir

PUNE: The forest division of Pune has cautioned people against venturing into Khadakwasla dam after catching a five-month-old crocodile hatchling in its waters at Khanapur village two days ago.
The dam site is one of the favourite spots among weekend revellers to visit.
The primary rescue team from Khanapur spotted the hatchling and caught it, said range forest officer Pradip Sankpal of the Bhamburda forest range.The rescued/caught hatchling has been kept at the Rajiv Gandhi Zoological Park in Katraj.

Rahul Patil, the deputy conservator of forest, said, “We are going to install caution boards at the dam site. Also, our village-level committee will sensitize villagers about the dangers of venturing into the dam waters through meetings and awareness campaigns.”
“Usually, crocodiles select open, sunny and sandy areas to build their nest to lay eggs. We did not find any nest at the spot where we found the hatchling. Our local teams and staffers are searching for the nest before reaching any conclusion about the presence of a crocodile in the dam,” Sankpal said on Saturday.
“Several preventive measures are in place to continue the naval training, during which the academy engages in speed boat to tackle the issue,” a senior official from the NDA said.