Citizens seek divine intervention to save Vishwamitri crocs

Vadodara: With their persistent efforts to save crocodiles by making Vishwamitri River free of polluted water not paying off, a group of Barodians decided to seek divine intervention on the eve of World Environment Day in the city. They organized a ‘havan’ and also chanted Gayatri Mantra on the ghaats of the river on Sunday evening.
“We have been making efforts and also requesting the authorities to keep the river clean and ensure the safety of the crocodiles.But it hasn’t worked as the river is still polluted and in the last couple of years some reptiles have died,” said Sanjay Soni, one of the organizers.
“So, we decided to perform a ‘havan’ and pray to God to save the river. We hope that divine intervention helps us in conserving the crocodiles as well as other living beings in the river,” Soni told TOI. Many city-based groups supported Soni and joined him in the rituals on ghaats. Hundreds of diyas were lit on the river bank.
“This river is the lifeline of the city and it is also home to a rich biodiversity. We pray that the concerned authorities act swiftly to save the river as well as the hundreds of crocodiles that have to reside in the polluted waters,” Soni added.