A crocodile sighting along the Astaranga coastline in Puri district has caused alarm among local residents and visitors. The reptile, approximately three feet long, was spotted near the shore on November 21 and captured on video by a young man. The footage quickly went viral on social media, raising safety concerns in the coastal community.
This is not the first crocodile sighting in the region this year. On September 13, a smaller crocodile measuring one-and-a-half feet was seen near Chandrabhaga and subsequently rescued by the Forest Department. In December last year, an eight-foot-long crocodile was also reported along the Chandrabhaga coast.
Following the recent sighting, authorities have intensified monitoring along the Astaranga coastline. Eight teams from the Astaranga-Jahania and Konark forest divisions are actively patrolling the area to ensure public safety. In addition, tourists have been advised to avoid entering the sea along the Astaranga-Jahania and Konark-Chandrabhaga stretches until the situation is fully under control.
Forest officials have urged residents and visitors to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the shoreline. “We have deployed eight teams—four each in Astaranga and Konark—to monitor the crocodile’s movement and ensure public safety,” said Sudarshan Dehuri, Konark ranger.
