Diversion of Singur water to Sriram Sagar Project in Rajanna-Sircilla district about two years ago had its adverse impact not only on the farm sector and drinking water but also on animals.
Perhaps in a first, a huge crocodile, weighing about 400kgs was found in the Mission Bhagiratha sump house at Peddareddypet in Pulkal mandal late Thursday night.
Officials suspect that the crocodile could have reached there from one of the approach canals dug to draw water for Mission Bhagiratha from Singur. Since the water level has fallen drastically in Singur reservoir the animal must have reached the sump house in search of water. Irrigation engineer G. Krishna reached the spot and alerted forest officials.
Led by Forest Range Officer K. Ravi Kumar, a team reached there and tied the crocodile with ropes.
Later, it was released into the backwaters of Singur. Forest officials warned people to be alert as crocodiles may be spotted at water-logged places as the reservoir has almost reached the dead storage level.
A first of its kind
In fact, crocodiles used to appear near borewells in the fields and water logged points in 2016, when the district faced a severe drought. But finding a crocodile outside the reservoir and so far away, is the first instance of its kind. Water level at Singur reservoir has already reached the dead storage level of 1.19 tmcft and it has been very difficult to draw water for Mission Bhagiratha. Explaining the gravity of the situation, officials said the present water level may not last for more than two months even for drinking water purposes.