Indian villagers turn to crocodile worship as attacks surge near Bhitarkanika
Villagers living near India's Bhitarkanika National Park have begun worshipping crocodiles in response to rising attacks on people and livestock. The shift comes as the park's crocodile population has surged over the past decade, pushing the animals into closer contact with human settlements. Locals now hold rituals to seek protection from the growing threat.
The crocodile population in Bhitarkanika has expanded rapidly, leading to overcrowding in their natural habitats. As a result, the reptiles increasingly venture into nearby villages, where clashes with residents have become more frequent. Despite the danger, authorities have yet to offer meaningful support to those affected.
During the annual Agni Utsav Purnima festival, women in the area now craft clay crocodile figures and perform prayers for safety. The tradition reflects their desperation as attacks on livestock and humans continue. While exact numbers of recent casualties remain unconfirmed, the park's reputation for human-wildlife conflict has grown in recent years.
Without official intervention, villagers have turned to cultural practices in an attempt to reduce the risks. The lack of government relief has left communities relying on their own measures to coexist with the rising crocodile population.
The worship of crocodiles marks a significant change in local customs, driven by the absence of official solutions. As the reptile population grows, residents face ongoing threats with limited external help. The situation highlights the urgent need for wildlife management strategies to protect both people and animals in the region.
