'A&N Man-Crocodile Conflict Management Plan' formulated Plan to be implemented by various Territorial & Wildlife Divisions of Forest Department from April 2017
Port Blair ,
In view of recent increase in the incidence of man-crocodile conflict in Andaman & Nicobar Islands especially in South Andaman District, the Department of Environment & Forests held series of meetings with the public, PRI members, Member of Parliament and other stakeholders and has formulated 'Andaman & Nicobar Man-Crocodile Conflict Management Plan' for mitigating the man-crocodile conflict in this territory. The plan will be implemented by various Territorial and Wildlife Divisions of the Department throughout A&N Islands from April, 2017.
Salient features of the plan
1. Identification of new creeks, nallahs, water bodies and low lying submerged areas other than 83
creeks already identified which are infested with crocodile.
2. Monitoring of creeks, nallahs and low lying submerge areas by constituting Joint Patrolling Team
(JPT) involving local PRI members, one Forester/Forest Guard, one Police Constable from
Police Department who will be assisted by 2-4 local youth.
3. Isolation of stretches of creeks closer to the habitations by setting up of grill gates, crocodile proof
nets and bamboo fencing, check dam etc.
4. Rescue and relocation of problematic crocodiles.
5. Segregation of footpath from the creeks by constructing small log bridges.
6. Special measures will be taken for tourists sites by restricting entry of food materials in the eco-
tourism sites, securing the swimming/diving places by crocodile proof nets etc.
7. Publicity, sensitization and capacity development.
It is expected that on implementation of this 'man-crocodile conflict management plan' with active support of PRIs, the incidences of crocodile attack on human beings and cattle will be checked considerably especially during rainy season when such incidences are reportedly more in number.
It is appealed to the public to support the efforts of the Department of Environment & Forests, Andaman & Nicobar Islands in implementing the plan for mitigation of man-crocodile conflict in this territory and in the best interest of protection of human life as well as crocodile which being on the top of ecological niche plays a vital role in maintaining the ecology of the islands. The public is requested to share the information regard crocodile sighting to the JPT members and nearest forest range of Division office. The telephone numbers of these JPT members and forest offices will be intimated in due course, a communication received here said.
