Fear and panic swept through the Indira Nagar locality of Kalyanpur in Kanpur on Thursday after two crocodiles were seen emerging from a pond situated next to Gupta Society Nai Basti. The sudden appearance of the reptiles sent residents into a state of alarm, disrupting daily life and raising serious safety concerns.
Residents in Fear, Homes Locked
The sighting triggered an immediate lockdown response from the local community. Many residents chose to barricade themselves inside their homes, while the fear was so palpable that two families decided against moving into their newly constructed houses in the vicinity. The proximity of the wild animals to human habitation created an atmosphere of dread.
Vishal Kumar, a local, described a harrowing scenario. He explained that during periods of rain, the crocodiles would come out of the water and settle alarmingly close to the houses. This aggressive encroachment forced people to abandon their homes temporarily for their own safety. The reptiles were spotted again on Thursday, confirming their continued presence and keeping the community on edge.
Official Response and Viral Video
Upon receiving the information, the Kalyanpur police swiftly arrived at the scene. Rajendra Kant Shukla, the in-charge of Kalyanpur police station, confirmed that his team questioned residents about the sightings before promptly informing the forest department. He assured that the crocodiles would be rescued soon.
However, a resident of Gupta Society, Brijesh Srivastava, expressed frustration with the initial official response. He stated that after he personally spotted the animals and informed the forest department and other officials, the team left the area without capturing the crocodiles. This inaction left the problem unresolved. The incident gained wider attention after a video of the crocodiles went viral on various social media platforms, highlighting the gravity of the situation to a broader audience.
Ongoing Concerns and Awaiting Resolution
The incident underscores the growing challenge of human-wildlife conflict in urban and semi-urban fringes. The pond adjacent to Gupta Society Nai Basti has become a point of crisis, with residents living in constant fear of a reptile attack. The community now anxiously awaits a permanent solution from the forest department authorities to safely trap and relocate the crocodiles, restoring a sense of security to the Indira Nagar area.
As of now, the situation remains tense, with authorities on alert and locals advised to exercise extreme caution near the water body. The repeated sightings on Thursday have made it clear that this is not an isolated event but an ongoing threat that requires immediate and effective intervention.
