Increasing Crocodile Population in Gandak River
The number of crocodiles in the Gandak River in Bettiah is rapidly increasing. This has led to crocodiles being spotted downstream as well. While the environment and forest department are happy with the growing population, it has become a cause of concern for fishermen. Many times, crocodiles are getting trapped in fishermen’s nets, and they are even reaching homes near the river at night, causing fear among the villagers and farmers.
Fear of Crocodiles in Sisawa Village
In the Mangalpur Panchayat of Yogapatti, people from Sisawa village are currently troubled by crocodiles and alligators in the Gandak River. The villagers had to face waterlogging when the Gandak River overflowed earlier. Now, they are facing the fear of encountering numerous crocodiles in the river. The villagers’ farming activities are at risk due to the increasing crocodile population.
Challenges Faced by Farmers
The soft Gandak River bed has now been invaded by countless crocodiles, making it difficult for farmers to tend to their crops. Thousands of acres of crops are being destroyed in the Diara region. People are crossing the river to tend to their fields out of necessity, but they are often attacked by crocodiles. However, due to their vigilance, they have managed to avoid any harm so far.
Crossing the River Safely
When crossing the river by boat, the crocodile pack often approaches the boat. However, no loss of life or property has occurred so far. People are now having to cross the river by boat to avoid crocodiles. Otherwise, they have to wait for the crocodiles to move away before crossing. The crocodiles are moving from the riverbank to the fields in groups, posing a risk to the villagers and farmers.
बेतिया के गंडक नदी में मगरमच्छों की संख्या में तेजी से इजाफा देखने को मिल रहा है। इससे अब डाउन स्ट्रीम में भी मगरमच्छ नजर आ रहे हैं। बढ़ती संख्या से एक तरफ पर्यावरण और वन विभाग खुश है, तो दूसरी ओर मछुआरों के लिए सबसे ज्यादा परेशानी का सबब बन गया है। कई बार मगरमच्छ मछुआरों के जाल में फंस जा रहे हैं। जबकि, रात में नदी के आसपास के घरों तक रेंगते हुए पहुंच जा रहे हैं। ग्रामीणों की खेती-बारी पूरी तरह से चौपट होने के कगार पर है। लोगों को मगरमच्छ से दूर जाकर नाव से नदी पार करना पड़ रहा है। अन्यथा मगरमच्छ के दूर जाने का इंतजार करना पड़ रहा है।
