Wildlife Dept to resolve Nilwala croc issue

by Dhaneshi YATAWARA

The Wildlife Department plans to find a solution to the Crocodile-human conflict in the Matara district. It has been reported that crocodiles killing humans were inhabiting the Nilwala river which has been a well-known habitat for crocodiles.

"Wildlife officers will visit these villages and have discussions with the Grama Niladharis and village heads. We need to identify areas that face the problem," said Director (Operations) of the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) H.D. Ratnayake. According to Ratnayake, the crocodiles will be relocated on a selective basis.

"There are hundreds of crocodiles in the Nilwala river and we need to identify, the killer animals. According to information we have gathered only a few crocodiles have been identified as killers", he said.

Wildlife officials, officers of the District Secretariat and other local authorities plan to promote safety measures that have been in practice among villagers in the past such as the crocodile pen (kimbul kotuwa).

"We need to find appropriate places to set up crocodile pens along the river bank where there will be ample water for the villagers to use even during the dry season," he added.