In a bizarre yet courageous incident, two volunteers from the Indian Medical Association (IMA) were filmed transporting a crocodile on a scooter through the flood-hit streets of Vadodara, Gujarat. The crocodile, which had wandered into a residential area due to the overflow of the Vishwamitri River, was taken to the forest department office by the volunteers.
Vadodara has been dealing with a unique challenge as heavy rainfall has caused the Vishwamitri River to overflow, leading to crocodiles venturing into populated areas. The river, home to approximately 440 crocodiles, has forced many of these reptiles into neighborhoods, with several being spotted on rooftops, roads, and even within educational institutions.
The viral video, posted on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) by user @DixitGujarat, shows the two men riding a scooter with the crocodile securely strapped between them. The video has since garnered significant attention, amassing over 3.96 lakh views and 370 comments since it was uploaded on August 31, 2024.
The men’s casual demeanor while handling the reptile has sparked various reactions online. One user, Pritika Kothari, humorously commented, “They’re handling it so casually, seems like it’s their pet. I wanna be this brave.” Another user, Aaraynsh, added a sarcastic remark, “This is absolutely wrong, how can a crocodile ride without a helmet?” The video has drawn widespread admiration, with many lauding the bravery of the volunteers.
This incident is part of a broader rescue operation in Vadodara, where heavy rains between August 27 and 29 led to the rescue of 24 crocodiles from residential areas, according to the Press Trust of India (PTI). As the water levels in the Vishwamitri River recede, these rescued reptiles are expected to be released back into their natural habitat soon.
The video not only highlights the unusual challenges faced by residents in Vadodara during the monsoon season but also showcases the courage and quick thinking of the local volunteers who are working tirelessly to keep the community safe.
Sources By Agencies
