Crocodiles in Menik Ganga posing danger to pilgrims

Residents in Nagahaweediya area in Kataragama expressed concern about the danger of crocodiles in Menik Ganga when the Esala festival was round. They said the river near the No.02 and 03 bridges were the worst affected.

Wildlife Conservators had not taken steps to capture and release the crocodiles to a different location for a long time. They pointed out that the river was now teeming with crocodiles posing a danger to the life of residents of the area and the pilgrims.

Meanwhile, Basnayake Nilame of the Kataragama Maha Devala Dilruwan Rajapakse requested the Wildlife Department to launch a crash programme to capture the crocodiles in the river in view of the Esala festival commencing on July 03. He said the crocodile menace in Menik Ganga had claimed the life of several pilgrims last year.