Khammam: The sight of crocodiles in various reservoirs is a surprise to fishermen and farmers as well as irrigation officials. But, the increasing crocodile numbers have turned out to be a curse for the fishermen in Palair and Wyra reservoirs.
The fishermen are fearful for two reasons. On the one hand, there is a threat to their lives and, on the other, aqua production will be affected adversely.
The fishermen in Palair reservoir had a bitter experience while fishing during wee hours. They saw a reflection of their torchlight in what they thought were the eyes of Korameenu and decided to catch them. They were, however, shocked on seeing crocodiles instead of fish.
N. Appaiah of Palair, a fisherman said, “There are 15 to 20 fish seedlings in the Palair reservoir. We are scared to enter the reservoir for fishing after the incident.”
Irrigation officials are surprised at the presence of crocodiles in irrigation reservoirs.
They suspect that the eggs that were laid amid bushes in small water sources reached the reservoirs at the time of floods.
In another incident, a farmer caught a crocodile in Palair Cop channel near Rajeswarapuram under Nelakondapalli mandal in March. The reptile was handed over to the forest department.
The youth of Siripuram under Wyra mandal, who went to the Wyra rivulet saw an amphibian and informed the officials. Kinnerasani reservoir is the only water source reserved for crocodiles.
Palair, Wyra, Lankasagar and Singabhupalem are meant only for irrigation and fishing and not for rearing crocodiles as these water sources are located amidst human habitation and the presence of such reptiles will pose a threat to humans and cattle.
There is a demand from fishermen and farmers to limit the number of the crocodiles immediately.
