Goemkarponn desk
VASCO: Farmers in the Velsao area are gripped by fear following the sighting of a crocodile in Velsao Pale Lake on Thursday morning. The incident has prompted immediate concern and calls for action.
Roquezinho D’Souza, President of the Pale Tolem Xetkaranche Association, stated that the farmers swiftly contacted the forest department upon spotting the crocodile. “The forest department has arrived on the scene, but they say they can’t lay a trap at this moment. The farmers are now terrified to enter the fields, fearing the presence of the crocodile. We’ve seen one crocodile, but we are unsure how many could be present. The lake covers a vast area and is on both sides of the road. If the crocodile is not caught immediately, it could move to the other side of the lake, causing panic throughout the entire village. We request the authorities to catch the crocodile immediately,” said D’Souza.
Forest Officer Julio Quadros reassured the locals, explaining the crocodile’s likely behavior. “We arrived here after locals alerted us, but we are not sure where the crocodile could be presently. One thing is certain, it will reappear at the same site to bask in the sun, making it easier to trap. The crocodile will move deeper into the water if we enter the area now. We have surveyed the entire area and will discuss with our seniors to formulate a plan to rescue the crocodile,” said Quadros.
The farmers hope for swift action to ensure their safety and allow them to return to their fields without fear
