Sighting of a crocodile in the KC canal creates a flutter in Nandyal

A crocodile was reportedly spotted in the KC Canal, located near the Bhanuka Charla Earth Regulator in Pamulapadu mandal of the district on Friday (December 13), causing considerable alarm among the residents.

The farmers informed the forest officials that this was not the first incident in the area, a few days earlier, another crocodile was sighted on the National Highway close to Tangdancha village on the border with Kurnool district. This unexpected appearance sent passersby and locals alike into panic, as they claimed to have witnessed the crocodile crossing the road. After that sighting, the crocodile disappeared and was not seen again until a reptile was freshly spotted in the KC Canal. The forest officials are yet to confirm whether there are two crocodiles or whether the reptiles are the same.

The sudden presence of the crocodile in the canal has left farmers and residents in a state of confusion and uneasiness. In response to the situation, the forest officials promptly arrived at the scene after being alerted. The team conducted a thorough search of the area. Understanding the gravity of the situation, the officials advised the local people, particularly the farmers, to stay away from the KC Canal, citing concerns for their safety since the crocodile’s whereabouts were still uncertain. The officials cautioned women against washing clothes on the steps of the canal, calling for vigilance. The high water levels in the KC Canal have complicated efforts to locate and identify the crocodile, as visibility is significantly reduced. The officials said that they will undertake measures to lower the water flow in the canal, aiming to facilitate the safe capture of the crocodile as quickly as possible. If necessary, drone cameras would be deployed to spot the reptile’s movements, the officials said.