Ban humans from entering Powai lake to save crocodiles: Researcher

Mumbai: Pramod Salaskar, who has been conducting research on Powai lake for the past 23 years, has written to the principal chief conservator of forest about humans entering the lake to harass crocodiles.

Mr Salaskar, founder of Naushad Ali Sarovar Samavardhini, (Association for Lake Conservation), has requested a ban on humans entering the lake, as the Indian marsh crocodile — a highly endangered species of reptiles — has made Powai Lake its natural habitat since the last 75 years and forms a part of the lake’s ecosystem.

Kamlesh Sharma, secretary of Maharashtra State Angling Association (MSAA), said, “We are monitoring the lake on a regular basis; the number of crocodile seems to have reduced significantly as the once ample sightings seem to have now become a rare thing. A few people have made fishing their business. Due to this, they lay traps to catch fishes in which crocodiles get trapped. We have made police complaints but such activities restart after the culprits are released.”  

The Indian Marsh Crocodile is Schedule- I species under the Wildlife act, 1972 and vulnerable version 3.1 of the International Union for Conservation of Nature). There are over 16 to 17 crocodiles in the lake among which, some of them are over 15 feet long. Crocodiles help to clean up the environment by eating carcasses that would otherwise rot and can increase the number of fishes that we like to eat by feeding upon their predators.

“Crocodiles at Powai have always been known to be harmless unless attacked or disturbed by human beings.  But due to their disturbed temperament there may be chances of attacks on those who venture into the water body unprotected,” said Mr Salaskar.

He added, “Crocodile habitats are being disturbed as we are not stopping illegal fishing at the lake. Extensive fishing is being carried out on a daily basis, which is making it obvious that the food of crocodiles will deplete and crocodiles will begin to look at other options for food.”