Sri Vijaya Puram, October 5: The Andaman and Nicobar Administration’s Environment and Forests Department has stepped up preparedness for crocodile rescue and rehabilitation by training frontline forest personnel in safe handling, operational procedures and wildlife management. The workshop, held at the Biological Park in Chidiyatapu, focused on reducing risks to both crocodiles and the public during rescue and relocation operations.
The workshop on Crocodile Handling, Rescue and Rehabilitation was organised yesterday as part of the 72nd Wildlife Week celebrations, 2026. It brought together Forest Guard trainees and frontline personnel from all Territorial and Wildlife Divisions.
The training focused on strengthening the participants’ knowledge and technical capabilities required to handle crocodile-related rescue operations. The programme also sought to improve operational preparedness for the safe management, rescue and rehabilitation of crocodiles.
Joju P. Alappatt, Conservator of Forests (Wildlife), inaugurated the programme as chief guest. He stressed the importance of technical knowledge and practical skills in carrying out crocodile rescue and relocation operations.
Alappatt also underlined the need for coordinated teamwork and strict adherence to safety protocols while dealing with crocodiles. The emphasis on these aspects formed a key component of the workshop’s focus on wildlife and public safety.
Meera Nambiar, Deputy Director of the Biological Park, Chidiyatapu, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the importance of continuous capacity building among frontline personnel.
The participation of personnel from across the Territorial and Wildlife Divisions provided the workshop with a broader operational focus, bringing together staff involved in frontline forest and wildlife responsibilities.
The department’s initiative centred on equipping personnel with the knowledge and practical skills needed for crocodile handling, rescue, rehabilitation and management. The training also placed safety protocols and coordinated response at the core of such operations.
The workshop was conducted as part of the 72nd Wildlife Week celebrations, 2026, with frontline personnel and Forest Guard trainees participating in the capacity-building programme at Chidiyatapu.
