‘They came from ponds': 40 crocodiles rescued from Haridwar homes and fields, locals fear return; forest dept on alert

HARIDWAR: For the first time this monsoon season till Oct, around 40 freshwater crocodiles were rescued from homes, farmlands and residential colonies in Haridwar and Laksar, creating an atmosphere of fear among residents of several villages. Residents said they are concerned about the safety of their children, who go out to play in the fields, grasslands and ponds. The forest department said the reptiles, mostly juveniles, were later released into the Ganga, but villagers fear they may return. Officials believe the crocodiles originated not from the Ganga but from local ponds and reservoirs across Laksar and Pathri regions, where they are believed to have established habitats following the 2013 floods. Haridwar forest division DFO Anirudh Swapnil said on Thursday, "Now, these have be