No official nod to catch crocodile

Chennai: Despite the public pleading with the forest department and revenue authorities to catch the crocodile in Perungalathur pond, both the departments have not done anything on the grounds that there had been no official communication.

Residents of Perungalathur told Deccan Chronicle that they are in a state of fear and are avoiding the Sadananthapuram temple tank where crocodile sighting is common.

"Foresters and the local civic body issued warning last week but so far no action has been taken and authorities are sleeping over the issue without realizing that a predator is living in our neighbourhood," said S. Murugan, a resident of Perungalathur.

"We have requested the Kattankulathur block development office to drain the water body so that the reptile can be rescued but they are yet to respond", said forest ranger T. Murugesan. When asked whether there were three crocodiles in the pond foresters maintained that they have recorded only one crocodile so far. "We will know the exact number only when the water body is completely drained," they said.

When contacted, Kattankulathur block development officer Murali said the local body can take action only if foresters approach through them with a written communication. "Based on the letter, we will forward the same to the district collector seeking instructions," he said. "Also, with the district facing drought we have to ensure that fresh water is not wasted in the process of rescuing a crocodile," the official said.