Panic in Astaranga as crocodile spotted on coast; Forest Department on high alert

A crocodile has been sighted along the Astaranga coastline in Puri district, triggering fear among local residents. The unusual sighting came to light on November 21, when a young man spotted a three-foot-long crocodile near the shore and captured the incident on his mobile phone. The video has since gone viral on social media, sparking concern among coastal communities.

This is not the first sighting in the region this year. On September 13, a one-and-a-half-foot-long crocodile was spotted near Chandrabhaga, which was later rescued by the Forest Department. Last December, an eight-foot-long crocodile was also seen along the Chandrabhaga coastline.

Following the latest sighting, locals along the Astaranga coast remain wary, and authorities have stepped up patrolling in the area. Eight teams from the Astaranga-Jahania and Konark forest divisions are currently monitoring the coastline.

The Forest Department has also barred tourists from venturing into the sea at Astaranga-Jahania and Konark-Chandrabhaga until the situation is under control, ensuring the safety of both visitors and local residents.

Authorities are urging people to remain vigilant and avoid approaching the shoreline until the crocodile is safely captured or moves away from the area.

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“We were informed about the movement of a crocodile near the Astaranga coastline. We are making people and tourists aware through announcements. Eight teams- four each in Astaranga and Konark have been deployed,” said Sudarshan Dehuri, Konark ranger