Source: Down to Earth

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Context

• A fire at Pariej lake in Kheda district, Gujarat, led to the death of a juvenile mugger crocodile and several turtles, raising concerns about wildlife protection during development projects.
• The incident underscores the importance of precautionary measures and inter-departmental coordination to protect vulnerable species and their habitats.

Details

Key Points

• The fire at Pariej lake, Kheda district, resulted in the death of a mugger crocodile and turtles, both listed under Schedule I of the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.
• Pariej lake, an important wetland and the largest waterbody in Kheda, had been undergoing desilting and dredging work when the fire broke out.

• Mugger crocodiles in the Charotar region have tripled in the past decade, highlighting the region's significance for this species.
• The incident highlights the lack of coordination between the irrigation and forest departments, as the latter was not consulted about the development work at Pariej lake.
• Gujarat's wildlife policy, including the 2019 rescue manual for mugger crocodiles, emphasizes protecting mating and nesting sites from disturbances.
• The state’s environmental management issues are evident from past actions like removing muggers from the Narmada Dam in Kevadia Colony for development purposes.

Sources:

Down to Earth

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