Mumbai has witnessed an unprecedented rise in crocodile rescues this year, with 23 marsh crocodiles (muggers) rescued so far—the highest annual figure ever recorded in the city. This brings the total number of crocodile rescues over the past three years to 29, highlighting a sharp increase in human-crocodile encounters.

The majority of sightings have been reported from areas surrounding Powai Lake, IIT Bombay, Bhandup, Mulund, Aarey, and the fringes of Sanjay Gandhi National Park. Both adult and juvenile crocodiles have been found wandering into residential neighbourhoods, roads, parking areas and other urban spaces, particularly during the ongoing monsoon season.

Wildlife experts attribute the surge in sightings to a combination of heavy monsoon rains, rising water levels, shrinking wetlands, habitat encroachment and increasing urbanisation. Flooded water bodies allow crocodiles to disperse into adjoining areas, while expanding human settlements have brought people closer to their natural habitats.

Rescue operations have been carried out by the Maharashtra Forest Department with assistance from trained wildlife rescue organisations. After veterinary examinations, healthy crocodiles are released back into suitable natural habitats away from densely populated areas. Authorities have urged residents to maintain a safe distance from crocodiles, avoid provoking or attempting to capture them, and immediately alert the Forest Department if a sighting occurs.

The record number of rescues underscores the growing challenge of managing human-wildlife interactions in rapidly expanding urban landscapes. Conservationists stress the need to protect and restore wetlands and natural water bodies while improving public awareness to ensure the safety of both people and wildlife.

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