Odishatv Bureau

Boudh: A Gharial that has strayed into a canal near Bahira Primary School under Sadar block here has triggered alarm among the school kids and residents of the village. The animal was spotted a week ago following which locals informed the Forest department officials.

It is being suspected that the reptile swam into the canal from Mahanadi during the recent flood.

Boudh Ranger, Bipin Bihari Routray said, "The distance between Mahanadi and the canal is approximately 4 km, so we think the reptile might have swum across during flood on September 7. People were in a state of panic, but so far they have been very cooperative after an awareness drive in this regard. At present, the Gharial is under observation. Its behaviour is being tracked round the clock."

"We are making necessary arrangements to shift the reptile back to Mahanadi. This will be done as soon as the water level recedes and the flow decreases," added Routray.

On the other hand, the villagers have showed sense of urgency as the Bahira canal is reportedly the primary source of water for their basic needs.

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