Captured crocodile released in Papanasam dam

The crocodile captured at Kaliyal in Kanniyakumari district on Monday was released into the Papanasam dam in Tirunelveli district on Tuesday.

Locals had spotted the crocodile on several occasions in the Kothaiyar river in the Kaliyal Forest Range since April. Following this, the Forest Department made sustained efforts to capture the reptile, which finally succeeded on Monday.

Veterinarians examined the crocodile for injuries and found it to be in good health. It was subsequently transported to the Papanasam dam and released on Tuesday.

After being released on the slope inside the dam, the crocodile moved for about 50 metres before plunging into the water. The water level in the Papanasam dam stood at 49 feet on Tuesday, against its full reservoir level of 143 feet.