Konark: A series of crocodile sightings along the Konark–Chandrabhaga to Astaranga–Jahania coastline has triggered alarm among tourists and local communities, with many now reluctant to walk along the shore or venture into the sea.

The latest sighting at Astaranga’s Jahania beach has intensified fears, prompting the Forest Department to scale up surveillance and intervention efforts.

With the peak tourist season under way and the Konark Festival approaching, the department has deployed eight specialised teams under the supervision of Konark Range Officer Sudarshan Dehury to trace and capture the crocodiles. These teams are patrolling the stretch from the Ramchandi river mouth and Konark–Chandrabhaga coast to the Jahania and Devi river mouth in Astaranga. Each unit, comprising a forest g

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