Odisha Farmer Narrowly Escapes Death in Crocodile Attack While Bathing
A 66-year-old farmer from Odisha had a miraculous escape after being attacked by a saltwater crocodile while bathing in the Kharosotra river in Jajpur district on Wednesday afternoon. The victim, identified as Gurucharan Dehuri from Kujibara village under the Dalijoda forest range, sustained significant injuries to his hands, chest, head, and back during the terrifying encounter.
Farmer Recounts Harrowing Struggle for Survival
While receiving treatment at the Jajpur district headquarters hospital, Dehuri described the life-threatening incident in detail. "When I was bathing in the river, a crocodile suddenly started dragging me into the water by my legs," he recounted. "I began shouting for help and fought back by attacking the reptile's eyes with my fingers. This defensive action caused the crocodile to loosen its grip, allowing me to break free and escape to safety."
Forest officials have confirmed that the department will cover all of Dehuri's medical expenses. Dalijodi forest range officer Satyananda Subudi stated, "We immediately rushed to the village to investigate after learning about the attack. This incident is particularly concerning because the water bodies of Bhitarkanika in Kendrapada district are known to be home to many crocodiles, but this attack occurred approximately 120 kilometers away in Jajpur district."
Crocodiles Expanding Their Range Beyond Protected Areas
The attack provides compelling evidence that saltwater crocodiles are venturing far beyond their traditional habitats. "It proves that many crocodiles are moving out from the water bodies of Bhitarkanika and traveling significant distances from the park," Subudi emphasized. Local residents have reportedly spotted a crocodile in the river and captured photographic and video evidence of the reptile.
This incident highlights a growing pattern of human-crocodile conflicts in the region. Within the past 47 months alone, crocodile attacks have claimed approximately 30 human lives. Bijay Shukla, panchayat samiti member of Ramanagar gram panchayat, expressed deep concern about the escalating threat. "An endangered species in the 1970s, crocodiles are now frequently spotted in rivers, creeks, and other water bodies far from Bhitarkanika. Rivers are our lifelines, but the stakes are becoming dangerously high for farmers and fishermen in riverside villages as crocodile attacks continue to rise," Shukla warned.
Bhitarkanika's Crocodile Population and Conservation Measures
Bhitarkanika, a vast expanse of forest and saltwater swamp, serves as the primary habitat for around 1,858 saltwater crocodiles according to this year's reptile census. To address the increasing threat to human safety, the forest department has implemented several precautionary measures.
Manas Kumar Das, Assistant Conservator of Forests for Bhitarkanika, explained the department's response: "We have installed protective barricades at several river ghats and intensified awareness campaigns throughout vulnerable communities. Our primary message urges people to avoid entering waters known to be inhabited by crocodiles. These preventive measures are crucial for reducing future incidents."
The forest department continues to monitor crocodile movements and behavior while working to balance conservation efforts with public safety concerns. This recent attack serves as a stark reminder of the complex challenges facing both wildlife protection and human security in Odisha's riverine ecosystems.
