BARIPADA:THE crocodile breeding centre at Ramatirtha in Mayurbhanj district is reeling under the State Government’s apathy.The centre, one of the oldest in the State, has been a victim of neglect since long. While the Forest department is claiming to have spent crores of rupees for protection of forests and wildlife, it has turned a blind eye to the plight of the breeding centre.
Due to the Government’s lack of interest and financial support, crocodile population at the centre is on the decline. Moreover, lack of funds has also affected infrastructure development in the centre which needs an immediate facelift to attract visitors. While there is not enough food for the reptiles, inadequate infrastructure has led to decline in tourist inflow to the centre which also boasts of a crocodile park.
In 2012, the centre housed 11 crocodiles of which four were adults. However, three females succumbed due to old age while a male died due to injuries sustained in an attack by a female crocodile. Currently, it is home to eight crocodiles comprising four males and as many females. The centre is being managed by a caretaker and two Forest Rangers.
As per reports, after a survey in the 1970s revealed a sharp decline in the number of crocodiles in Similipal forest, the State Government decided to set up a centre at Ramatirtha for captive breeding of crocodiles. In 1979, the centre started functioning and 24 crocodiles consisting of both males and females were brought from Madras.
The objective of the breeding centre was to rebuild the viable population of crocodiles of different breeds and supply the reptiles to other States for further breeding.
In 1984, the first crocodile breeding was accomplished at the centre and since then, 1,500 eggs have been hatched. So far, 700 young crocodiles have been released to rivers of West Deo, East Deo, Khairi, Budhabalanga and Polpala.
Generally, the crocodiles lay eggs in March. At one go, the reptiles can lay up to 40 eggs. The last census, which was carried out in 2003, revealed that more than 150 Muggers were shifted to different river systems under the Similipal biosphere.
Rama Kanta Majhi, one of the Forest Rangers who looks after the centre, said a facelift is the need of the hour. If the centre is revamped, it will help draw more tourists to the centre, he said.
‘’Our main problem is fund shortage. We have requested the Forest department to provide more aid to run the centre effectively,’’ Majhi added.