Mumbai: Crocodile attacks man fishing at Powai Lake

Mumbai: Vijay Kakve, a 40-year-old tribal member who was attacked by a crocodile, narrowly avoided death. Kakve was fishing at Powai Lake on Saturday when a crocodile bit his foot, severely injuring him. He was taken urgently to Rajawadi Hospital in Ghatkopar, where he is currently being treated in the male ward.

The ramp built on the edge of Powai Lake could have prevented this crocodile assault, according to environmentalists and activists.

"During this time of the year, the crocodiles lay their eggs on the soft soil next to Powai Lake. Already, a lot of construction activity has occurred on the other side of the lake, close to the Rennaissance hotel. Also, many picnickers have boisterous parties near the lake, which disturbs the marine species. I personally took Kakve to Rajawadi hospital and urged the doctors to attend to his foot which was bleeding profusely," said the Save Powai Lake activist Tabrez Sayed.

As a result of the presence of crocodiles, the activists have once more requested that the BMC and forest officials build additional warning signboards around the lake to prevent people from going near the water.

"The high court had recently directed the city municipal corporation to get rid of the construction done so far for the purpose of the cycle track, as the citizens and activists are against any such project. However, so far, no such action has been taken by the BMC to help preserve the lake," added Sayed.