Kendrapara, Odisha | August 31, 2026
Human-crocodile conflict has intensified in Kendrapara district of Odisha, with 31 people reportedly killed and more than 70 injured in crocodile attacks over the past five years, according to official figures cited in a recent report.
The attacks have been reported from villages along the Brahmani, Baitarani, Hansua, Gobari and Kharasrota rivers, particularly in the Pattamundai, Aul, Rajkanika, Rajnagar and Mahakalapada areas.
Recent attacks raise fresh concern
Two recent incidents have once again highlighted the danger.
Sudipta Das, 42, of Sitanagar, was dragged into the Hansua river by a crocodile while bathing. His body was recovered several days later.
In another incident in Rajkanika block, Prasanna Kumar Behera of Naliapatia village was attacked while washing his hands in a river and was dragged into deep water.
Villagers demand protection
Residents have been demanding permanent fencing, barricades and warning signs at vulnerable bathing ghats and riverbank areas.
Villagers argue that compensation after an attack cannot replace preventive measures, particularly because many communities depend on rivers and ponds for bathing, washing clothes, fishing and other daily activities.
The administration provides ₹4 lakh to the next of kin of a person killed in a crocodile attack and ₹1 lakh for severe injuries, according to the report.
Crocodile population continues to grow
The conflict comes against the backdrop of a major conservation success in the Bhitarkanika landscape, one of India’s important habitats for saltwater crocodiles.
The latest census recorded 1,811 crocodiles, up from 1,793 the previous year. Official figures also indicate that at least 48 people have been killed in crocodile attacks in Kendrapara since the crocodile breeding and conservation centre at Dangamal was established in 1975.
Forest officials have said crocodile activity can become more aggressive during the mating season, when the reptiles become territorial and protective of nesting areas. People have consequently been advised to avoid entering rivers and other water bodies at unprotected locations.
For communities living around Kendrapara’s rivers and creeks, however, avoiding the water completely is often difficult. The latest incidents have therefore renewed calls for stronger measures to keep people and crocodiles apart.
Source credit: This story is based on a report by Deccan Chronicle, “31 Killed In Crocodile Attacks In Odisha’s Kendrapara Since 2020,” by Akshaya Kumar Sahoo, published on August 31, 2026.
Leave a Reply