12-foot-long crocodile spotted near SYL canal in Kurukshetra

March 13, 2026

Kurukshetra: The sighting of a crocodile near the Sutlej-Yamuna Link Canal in Haryana’s Kurukshetra district has created panic in the surrounding villages. A crocodile, estimated to be approximately 10 to 12 feet long, was spotted near the canal near the bridge in Dabkhedi village at around 8 a.m. on Friday.

As news of the crocodile’s sighting spread, villagers were alarmed. Those who had tied their animals near the canal immediately removed them and took them home. The villagers informed the Wildlife Department and diver Pragat Singh.

Crocodile spotted before

It is reported that a crocodile was spotted inside the canal in the same area a few days ago. Its reappearance has further increased public concern. Passersby and villagers passing near the Dabkhedi bridge in the morning spotted the crocodile on the canal bank and took photos and videos of it from a distance.

After the news spread, people have reduced their visits to the canal as a precaution. Upon receiving the information, the Wildlife Department has also advised people to be vigilant and avoid the canal’s banks. The department is now preparing for a rescue operation to capture the crocodile.

An incident also occurred last week

Last week, a 14-foot-long crocodile was also spotted in the canal near Jyotisar village. Passersby filmed it and sent it to diver Pragat Singh. He arrived at the scene, but by then the crocodile had disappeared back into the water.

Villagers concerned about safety

Following the series of incidents, there is an atmosphere of fear in the area. People living near the canal say that grazing animals, fishing, or even passing by is no longer safe. People are especially concerned about the safety of young children. Villagers have demanded that the administration capture the crocodiles as soon as possible, as there are fears that two large crocodiles may be present in the canal.

According to diver Pragat Singh, catching such a large crocodile will require a well-planned operation. Preparations are underway to set nets on both sides of the canal, and extreme caution must be exercised during this process, as crocodiles can suddenly attack in the water.