Kurla residents were left startled after a 2.5-foot crocodile appeared in Sheetal talao, far from any forest or natural water bodies. The Thane forest department, working with Mumbai-based NGO SARRP INDIA (Spreading Awareness on Reptiles and Rehabilitation Programme), is planning a safe rescue operation.

The reptile was first reported two weeks ago from Chhatrapati talao in Ambedkar Nagar, Kurla West. SARRP volunteers led by Sheldon D’Souza visited the pond and confirmed its presence, providing crucial information to the authorities. “There is no natural forest or lake nearby, but the crocodile may have come from the Mithi river. Locals have been advised not to provoke it,” volunteer Sheldon D’Souza told mid-day.