Panic struck Nitoda village along the Abu Road-Swaroopganj highway in Sirohi district after farmers spotted an eight-foot crocodile resting in the middle of an agricultural field at night. The sudden sighting of the massive reptile, weighing over 50 kilograms, created widespread fear among local residents and agricultural workers. Because the farmland sits directly adjacent to residential quarters and cattle grazing paths, concerned villagers immediately informed the forest department about the imminent danger.
Forest Officials and Specialized Rescuers Deployed
Upon receiving the distress call, forest personnel mobilized and arrived at the location. Recognizing the danger and technical skill required to handle a reptile of that scale, officials enlisted specialized volunteers from the wildlife group Rescue Rascals. Chintu Yadav, a member of the rescue squad, explained that farmers and grazing livestock were moving across the field during the night when workers suddenly caught sight of the large reptile lying in the dark.
Hour-Long Operation to Subdue the 50 kg Reptile
As soon as the emergency team reached the field, their first priority was crowd management, directing gathered villagers to stand back at a secure distance. Subduing a reptile measuring roughly 8 feet long and weighing upward of 50 kg posed serious practical challenges in limited nighttime visibility. Operating with careful coordination and dedicated protective equipment, the rescue crew and forest staff worked patiently for approximately one hour before securely restraining the animal without inflicting any injury.
Key members involved in the nighttime operation included Rahul Prajapat, Yasaswi Sen, and Manoj Rana from the Rescue Rascals unit, working alongside Nathuram Ji representing the forest department on site.
Safe Release into West Banas Dam at Dhanari
Following the successful capture, the forest department supervised the transport of the reptile away from human settlements. The crocodile was securely shifted and released into its natural aquatic habitat at the West Banas Dam in Dhanari. Its relocation brought immediate relief to the anxious agricultural community in Nitoda, who had feared potential attacks on villagers and domestic animals.
Dry Water Bodies Drive Reptiles Toward Settlements
The incident highlights the wider ecological pressures affecting the region after the district experienced significantly low rainfall during the recent monsoon season. With multiple ponds, seasonal reservoirs, and check-dams running completely dry, local crocodiles are increasingly displaced from their usual habitats. Deprived of sufficient water and natural prey, these aquatic predators are moving into nearby farmlands and populated areas. Authorities have urged farmers and outdoor laborers working near remaining water pockets to exercise extreme vigilance to prevent future conflict.
