Goemkarponn desk
VASCO: Villagers and farmers of Velsao breathed a sigh of relief after the Forest Department successfully captured a crocodile that had been spotted in the fields. The reptile, sighted by village panchayat members on Thursday, sparked a wave of panic across the community.
Responding swiftly to the villagers’ alert, Forest Department officials arrived on the scene to survey the area. They urged residents not to panic and strategically placed a cage near the lake to trap the crocodile. By Friday morning, their efforts paid off, and the crocodile was safely captured.
MLA Anton Vas commended the Forest Department’s prompt action. Speaking to reporters, Vas said, “The crocodile had created panic in the village, and farmers were scared to go into the fields. The Forest Department laid a trap and finally caught the crocodile. This was the first time a crocodile was spotted in Velsao, but there have been sightings in other parts of the Cortalim constituency. I urge people to immediately alert the department so they can safely rescue wild animals and ensure people can live without fear.”
Roquezinho D’Souza, president of the Pale Tole Xetkaranche Association and a social worker, also praised the Forest Department’s efforts. “The Forest Department has done a fantastic job by catching the crocodile before any disaster could occur. While the department did their job, the villagers extended full support. It is crucial that the village supports the Forest Department to reduce threats. Some blamed the department for being inactive, which was unfair, as they had done nothing to support the capture. The villagers helped by setting up the cage and providing bait. The Forest Department worked tirelessly, even in heavy rains, to ensure the crocodile was caught. The village support made their work easier,” said D’Souza.
The successful capture has brought much-needed peace to Velsao, allowing farmers to return to their fields without fear.
