Daijiworld Media Network - Puttur

Puttur, Sep 4: A crocodile was spotted along the banks of the Netravati river near the new bus stand in Uppinangady on September 3, causing alarm among local residents.

The crocodile was first noticed by Fayaz U T, a former member of the Ilanthila gram panchayat, who observed the large reptile resting on a sandbank by the river in the evening. He captured a photograph of the crocodile, which appeared to be quite large.

In September 2022, three crocodiles were spotted near a petrol pump by the Netravati river in Panja. The crocodiles were seen resting on a sandbank in the middle of the river during the afternoon. Of the three, one was significantly larger than the other two. However, this time only one crocodile has been sighted, reinforcing the belief that crocodiles inhabit the Netravati river.

The location where the crocodile was spotted is about 500 meters from the confluence of the Netravati and Kumaradhara rivers. This area is near the Shri Sahasralingeshwara-Mahakali Temple, where rituals such as Pinda Pradana and holy baths are regularly conducted. The sighting of the crocodile in this area has raised concerns among the public, particularly those who frequent the river for religious purposes.