Mahakalapara: Hunger pangs can propel people to take serious risks and mortgage their lives into danger to earn a livelihood and provide for their families.
Women of Batighar panchayat under this block in Kendrapara district are a prime example of such helplessness as they are forced to cross the crocodile-infested overflowing Khola river daily in order to meet the expenses of their family. They are not alone in taking such risks as the women of Kharinasi village also catch fish from crocodile-infested nullahs near the jungle to eke out their living.
Several women have lost their lives in crocodile attacks while catching fish in the nullah but they have no other option left with them but to put their lives at stake. Women from many villages under the panchayat get down into waist-deep water and cross the river daily to collect firewood from the nearby jungles.
Some women said that they cross the river only during the ebb when there is no tidal wave. Later, they sell the firewood in the local market and earn a few bucks to meet the expenses.
While a spate of horrific crocodile attacks has unnerved the residents in the district, the women, notwithstanding the danger involved, cross the river daily.
On the other hand, crocodile menace has increased in Mahanadi and its distributaries Luna, Paika and Gobari rivers and cases of man-reptile conflict are on the rise.
Meanwhile, over six people have lost their lives this year in crocodile attacks in Brahmani river which flows through the district. The fatalities have sparked concern among the local residents and the forest personnel.
Similarly, more than 30 persons have reportedly lost their lives in Khola river during the last few years. However, the deep urge within them to arrange food for their family makes them forget the danger and take the risk.
When contacted, Jambu forest range officer Kartikeshwar Khandai said awareness programmes are being undertaken to sensitise the residents on crocodile menace and warn them not to venture near the water bodies.
PNN