VADODARA: When Mangi Vasava (name changed) washes clothes on the bank of Dev river in Waghodia taluka, she makes sure that her back isn't towards the river. Also, she doesn't sit for a long time while washing clothes and is on alert to avoid getting killed.
Women in villages have been washing clothes on river banks in and around Vadodara for ages. But even the simple daily chore is putting their lives at risk because of crocodiles lurking around in the water bodies. "We decided to start a campaign to save lives of women staying in villages around Dev river and other water bodies," said Hemant Vadhwana, a wildlife activist.
Vadhwana and his team are reaching out to the locals staying around the rivers infested with crocodiles. "We have started with the Dev river which has dozens of crocodiles. Most women sit with their backs to the river while washing clothes. The crocodiles mistake them for small animals and attack from behind giving women no time to defend themselves," Vadhwana explained.
"We ask these women to keep their face towards the river and not sit too close to the water. During monsoon, the river swells making it easier for these giant reptiles to lurk near the bank. So, we ask women to not venture near the river alone," he added.
In 2020, two women lost their lives and a 70-year-old man suffered injuries in a crocodile attack in Dev river. According to forest officials, over 54 crocodiles reside in the 10 kilometre-stretch of the river in Waghodia. Hence, the forest department has installed many signboards warning people to stay away from the river.
"Crocodiles are very active early in the morning and during evening hours. And most women wash clothes in the mornings making them susceptible to the attacks. So, we are urging them to change their timings and also be on alert if they see a crocodile den as the reptiles become aggressive to protect their eggs," Vadhwana added.
Jagdish Parmar, sarpanch of Muval village on the banks of Dev river, said, "Such awareness campaigns will help save many lives. We ask people from our village, especially women, not to enter the river and always be on alert while washing clothes or utensils there."
