Which river is known as the crocodile river of India?

 India is truly a land of many waters. The country is home to over 400 rivers and 12 major river basins that act as the nation's lifeblood. When it comes to size, the Ganga is both the longest river in India. The mighty Brahmaputra is India's largest river.

Many of these rivers have unique nicknames. The Kosi is often called the "Sorrow of Bihar", while the Godavari is known as the "Dakshina Ganga".

But do you know which river is famously called the Crocodile River of India? In this article, we’ll take a look at the history, the wildlife, and the secrets of this incredible "Crocodile River".

The river known as the Crocodile River of India is the Vishwamitri River. It is a seasonal river that originates in the Pavagadh Hills in the Panchmahal district of Gujarat. The river flows westward through the centre of Vadodara, one of Gujarat's largest cities.

Unlike many of India’s long rivers, the Vishwamitri stays within the state of Gujarat for its entire journey. After passing through urban and rural areas, it joins the Dhadhar River.

The river known as the "Crocodile River of India" is the Vishwamitri River, which flows through the heart of Vadodara in Gujarat.

It is unique because it is one of the very few rivers in the world where a large population of crocodiles lives in high density within a major urban environment.

Why it is called the Crocodile River

• High Population Density: Despite the river being narrow and passing through a densely populated city, it is home to nearly 300 to 450 Mugger crocodiles (Crocodylus palustris).

• Urban Co-existence: During the monsoon season, when the river levels rise, it is common for the crocodiles to spill over into the city's streets, drainage systems, and residential compounds, making international headlines.

  
  
  

• Natural Habitat: The river serves as a vital corridor for these reptiles, providing them with nesting grounds right in the middle of an industrial and educational hub.

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Other Notable "Crocodile Rivers" in India

While the Vishwamitri holds the specific nickname due to its urban setting, two other rivers are famous for their massive crocodile populations:

1. Chambal River: Flowing through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, the National Chambal Sanctuary is the best place to see the critically endangered Gharial (long-snouted crocodile) and Muggers in their natural, wild habitat.

2. Bhitarkanika (Brahmani & Baitarani Rivers): Located in Odisha, these rivers and their estuaries are home to India’s largest Saltwater Crocodiles. These are significantly larger than the Muggers found in the Vishwamitri.

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Yak reintroduction drive launched in Mechuka to boost tribal livelihoods in Arunachal

 

On April 3, 2026, a significant yak reintroduction drive was launched in the Mechuka block of the Shi-Yomi district, Arunachal Pradesh. Orchestrated by the ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak (NRCY), Dirang, the initiative aims to revive traditional high-altitude livestock practices that have seen a decline in recent years.

This move is part of a broader strategy to bolster tribal livelihoods, preserve cultural heritage, and tap into the growing potential for eco-tourism in the frontier regions of India.

Key Highlights of the Drive

The program was a collaborative effort involving the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmers Federation (JMMFF) and the State Animal Husbandry Department.

• Distribution: Six high-quality yaks (four females and two males) were distributed to selected tribal farmers to serve as "seed stock" for future breeding.

  
  

• Scientific Training: Over 45 local farmers participated in awareness sessions on scientific yak husbandry. This training covers modern breeding techniques, seasonal feed management, and disease prevention to ensure the animals thrive in harsh conditions.

• Input Support: Farmers received essential supplies under the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC), aimed at reducing the initial cost burden of re-establishing herds.

  
  
  

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Why the Reintroduction Matters for Livelihoods

In high-altitude regions like Mechuka (above 3,000 meters), conventional agriculture is extremely limited due to the climate and hypoxia. The yak is often called the "Almighty Livestock" by tribal communities because it provides a complete economic ecosystem:

Resource	Utility & Market Value
Dairy	Produces high-fat milk used for Chhurpi (traditional cheese), butter, and ghee. Note: Arunachali Yak Chhurpi recently received a GI Tag.
Meat	A primary source of protein for high-altitude communities, with high local demand.
Fibre/Wool	Used for making traditional clothing, tents, and rugs, preserving indigenous craftsmanship.
Logistics	Functions as a crucial pack animal for transporting goods across rugged, roadless terrain.
Tourism	Yak safaris and traditional "Brokpa" (herder) cultural experiences are major draws for eco-tourists in Mechuka.

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The Strategic & Ecological Angle

Beyond economics, the return of the yak to Shi-Yomi has two critical implications:

1. National Security: Yaks are strategic assets for the Indian Army, serving as reliable pack animals in difficult border terrains where motorized vehicles cannot reach.

   
   
   

2. Environmental Balance: Traditional yak rearing follows a transhumance (seasonal migration) pattern. This natural grazing helps maintain the biodiversity of Himalayan alpine meadows and prevents the overgrowth of specific invasive plant species.

   The drive is being implemented by ICAR-National Research Centre on Yak under the leadership of Director Mihir Sarkar, in collaboration with the Jomlo Mongku Mithun Farmers Federation and the state Animal Husbandry Department.

   Officials described the initiative as a crucial intervention to not only conserve yak populations but also promote sustainable income generation in one of Arunachal Pradesh’s most remote and ecologically sensitive regions.

   
   
   

3. Officials said the programme also focused on capacity building, with around 45 farmers covered under awareness sessions on scientific yak rearing. The effort is supported through the Scheduled Tribe Component (STC), ensuring necessary inputs to improve productivity and sustain the initiative in the long run.

By integrating scientific management with traditional wisdom, this drive seeks to make yak rearing a remunerative and sustainable profession once again for the youth of Arunachal Pradesh.

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