The Sirumugai Forest Department has been engaged in a 24-hour operation to capture crocodiles in Pattakkaranur village near Mettupalayam. The operation began after locals reported crocodile sightings in a local pond.
Coimbatore: The Sirumugai Forest Department has been working tirelessly for the past 24 hours to capture crocodiles in Pattakkaranur village near Mettupalayam in Coimbatore district. The operation commenced after local residents informed the forest officials about crocodile sightings in a pond in the area.
It was discovered that a crocodile, believed to have been washed away during the recent monsoon rains, had been living in a specific area of the Pattakkaranur pond. When forest officials attempted to capture it, they found that there were actually two crocodiles in the water.
Initially, the pond had about 10 feet of water. The forest department planned to drain the water and then capture both crocodiles. The operation began yesterday morning with motor pumps being used to remove water from the specific area where the crocodiles were spotted.
Due to the large volume of water, the work that started yesterday morning continued throughout the night. Electric lights were set up, and JCB machines were stationed for safety measures. Nylon nets were also placed around the area where the crocodiles were located. The forest department is continuously monitoring the operation.
Under the leadership of Sirumugai Forest Range Officer Manoj Kumar, the forest department team has been working round the clock for the past 24 hours to capture the crocodiles.
As of now, there is still about three feet of water and mud remaining in the pond. The forest department is preparing to capture the crocodiles once this remaining water and sludge are cleared.
The operation has drawn significant attention from locals, who are eagerly awaiting its conclusion. The forest department has urged people to stay away from the area for their safety and to ensure the smooth progress of the capture operation.