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BREAKING NEWS (21st-28th January) Crocodiles moved from world´s tallest statue 0/2
BREAKING NEWS (21st-28th January) Crocodiles moved from world´s tallest statue
Crocodiles moved from world´s tallest statue
India relocates crocodiles at world´s tallest statue in Gujarat.
Indian officials have begun relocating some 300 crocodiles from a reservoir next to the world´s tallest statue to allow a seaplane service for visitors.
The animals, some around 3 metres long, are being lured into metal cages and sent elsewhere in the western state of Gujarat. But conservationists have criticised the plan. The 182m statue of independence hero Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel was inaugurated last October.
The bronze-clad statue sculpture, located some 200km from the state´s main city of Ahmedabad, has become a popular attraction. But there are no train services and most tourists reach the site, known as “Statue of Unity”, by bus.
Local forestry official said the instruction has come from the state government “for safety reasons as the tourist influx has increased”, AFP news agency reports.
So far about a dozen crocodiles have been removed and transported on the back of pick-up trucks.
Community Science Centre Director said the decision to remove the crocodiles was a violation of the country´s wildlife protection legislation.
“The government is disturbing their habitat and putting their lives at risk” Dr Gavali was quoted by the Times of India as saying.
“Also, the government hasn´t thought out where it will release the captured crocodiles safely”.
The Editor of the wildlife magazine sanctuary Asia, was another critic of the plan.