A tragic incident of human-crocodile conflict was reported from Kendrapada district, Odisha, where a woman was dragged into the Brahmani River by a saltwater crocodile while she was at the riverbank.

According to local officials, the woman had gone to the river for routine household activities when the crocodile suddenly attacked and pulled her into the water. Rescue teams, along with local residents and forest personnel, launched a search operation following the incident.

The attack has once again highlighted the growing risks faced by communities living near crocodile-inhabited rivers and estuaries in Odisha. Kendrapada district, particularly areas around the Bhitarkanika mangrove ecosystem, is home to one of India’s largest populations of saltwater crocodiles, and occasional encounters with humans continue to be a major conservation challenge.

Forest officials have urged residents to avoid entering rivers and creeks known to harbour crocodiles, especially during early morning and evening hours. They have also appealed to people to use designated bathing and water-collection points wherever available and to immediately report crocodile sightings to the authorities.

Wildlife experts stress that increased public awareness, improved safety measures at riverbanks and continued conservation efforts are essential to minimise human-crocodile conflict while protecting one of India’s most iconic reptile species.