Cuttack: A Gharial crocodile sighting in the Kathajodi River in Cuttack, Odisha, on Saturday caused panic among the local population.
The Gharial measured between 8 to 10 feet in length and was seen lying on the sand in the river’s midst for over an hour and a half. A huge number of people assembled on the Trisulia Bridge following the crocodile’s detection in the Kathajodi River on Saturday resulting in traffic congestion.
Forest Department officials and the Fire Department team were dispatched to the location to manage the traffic and disperse the onlookers.
Officials have identified the crocodile as a Gharial, citing it poses no threat to humans. They noted that the Gharial was sunning itself after consuming fish.
An official stated, “In response to the declining Gharial population, these crocodiles have been released into the Mahanadi River as part of a project aimed at increasing their numbers.”