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A unique coexistence

— Photo: Lingaraj Panda

FITTING HONOUR: Members of the Maa Ramachandi Crocodile Protection Committee receiving a citation and cash reward for their initiative in protecting crocodile population from Conservator of forest Debabrata Swain at a function in Berhampur on Sunday.

BERHAMPUR: The traditional fishermen families of villages near Ghodahada reservoir, who had to date played a major role in the conservation of crocodiles, were honoured by the Berhampur forest division on Sunday.

Representatives of the Maa Ramchandi Crocodile Protection Committee (MRCPC), an organisation of the fishermen of five panchayats living on the banks of the reservoir were felicitated by the conservator of forests, Debabrata Swain at a special function. The Divisional Forest Officer (DFO), A.K.Jena said the wild life division of forest department has recommended to the State Government to take up developmental projects for these fishermen to preserve the unique coexistence of fishermen and crocodiles in the reservoir. Sixteen frontline staff of the forest department were also felicitated at this function.

Although there were hearsay that crocodiles existed in the Ghodahada reservoir even the forest department had no record about it till January when first official enumeration of crocodiles was held in the reservoir. The enumeration proved that there were more than 100 crocodiles in the irrigation reservoir which was completed in 1977. Around 29 mature Mugger (Crocodilus palustris) were also sighted during the enumeration.

The enumeration also brought to the fore the peaceful coexistence that occurred between the fishermen of the area and the crocodiles. No crocodile had to date attacked or injured any human or domestic animal although they were at times damage the nets of fishermen to steal their fish catch.

No fisherman had ever attacked the crocodiles. All this continued for decades around the reservoir although there were more than 20 large tunnels on the banks of the reservoir used by the crocodile families.

Gopinath Behera, secretary of the MRCPC, said it seemed the crocodiles were quite satisfied with the fish populace in the reservoir.

This reservoir is used for pisciculture by a cooperative of around 70 fishermen families who are also members of MRCPC. Simanchal Behera, a member of the MRCPC, felt abundance of fish in the reservoir due to their efforts has also kept the crocodiles satisfied and they are never prompted to attack humans or animals in the area.

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