Gujarat: 194 crocodiles relocated from Panchmuli lake

In last two days,  194 crocodiles have been relocated from Panchmuli lake near Statue of Unity in Narmada district, Gujarat.

Highlights

• Crocodiles were relocated for the safety of tourists do boat rides in the Panchmuli lake.
• This lake is situated near 182-metre-tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadia.
• Lake has become a major tourist attraction. It had a large number of crocodiles which was a threat to visitors.

Background

In between October & March, 2019-20, 143 crocodiles were relocated. In 2020-21, 51 crocodiles were shifted to two rescue centres in Gandhinagar and Godhra. In 2019-20, 73 rescued crocodiles were released into Sardar Sarovar reservoir.

About Panchmuli lake

This lake is also known as ‘Dyke-3’ of Sardar Sarovar Dam. It was developed for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity. Lake is located about 5 km away from Statue of Unity. It offers a clear view of Vindhyachal mountain range and Sardar Sarovar Dam.

About Statue of Unity

It is a colossal statue of Indian statesman, independence activist, first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India; Sardar Vallabhbhai Bhai Patel. Statue is located in Gujarat. It is dubbed as world’s tallest statue having a height of 182 metres. It is located on Narmada River in Kevadiya colony. It faces the Sardar Sarovar Dam 100 kilometres southeast of Vadodara city in Gujarat and 150 kilometres from Surat. Kevadia railway station is located at the distance of 5 kilometres from Statue of Unity. This project was first announced in 2010. Its construction started in October 2013 by Larsen & Toubro. It has been designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the statue on October 31, 2018, to mark 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.

Month: Current Affairs - July, 2021