An 8.5-foot <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-six-foot-marsh-crocodile-rescued-from-beneath-parked-car-near-aarey-after-heavy-rains-23638684" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">female crocodile</a> was safely rescued from Bhanshila Pada near IIM Powai Mumbai in the early hours of July 10, 2026 after local residents spotted the animal wandering on a village road, officials said.
The Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) received an emergency call at around 1 am and immediately sent a rescue team to the location.
On reaching the site, the rescue team found the crocodile moving through the village, creating a potential risk for both residents and the animal.
The team first assessed whether the crocodile could safely return to a nearby lake or another natural water body on its own. However, they found that there was no safe or accessible route for the animal to reach water.
Following this assessment, the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-11-baby-crocodiles-rescued-from-water-tank-near-bhandups-vihar-lake-during-pre-monsoon-cleaning-23637391" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">Forest Department</a> authorised a rescue operation to ensure public safety and protect the crocodile.
<h2>Crocodile rescued without injury</h2>
WWA rescuers carried out the operation using standard wildlife rescue procedures. The crocodile was safely captured and secured without causing any harm.
After the rescue, the animal underwent a detailed medical examination by Dr Jaya Chariar and Dr Veeraraghavan Chariar, who declared it fit and healthy.
The crocodile was identified as an adult female measuring approximately 8.5 feet in length.
<h2>Released into natural habitat</h2>
After receiving medical clearance, the <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mumbai-two-crocodiles-rescued-from-tank-in-bhandup-23636169" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">crocodile was released into a suitable natural habitat</a> in accordance with wildlife conservation guidelines.
WWA thanked the residents of Bhanshila Pada for quickly informing the authorities and acknowledged the Forest Department for its prompt support and coordination, which helped ensure the safe rescue and release of the crocodile without any untoward incident.
<h2>Importance of timely reporting</h2>
Wildlife experts have reminded the public that crocodiles occasionally enter human settlements, especially during the monsoon, when rising water levels can alter their movement. Residents are advised to maintain a safe distance from wild animals and immediately inform the Forest Department or authorised <a href="https://www.mid-day.com/mumbai/mumbai-news/article/mid-day-impact-forest-department-prepares-rescue-plan-for-indian-marsh-crocodile-spotted-in-aarey-lake-23632906" target="_blank" rel="none noopener">wildlife rescue organisations</a> instead of attempting to handle the situation themselves.

Mumbai crocodile rescue: An 8.5-foot female crocodile was safely rescued from Bhanshila Pada near IIM Powai Mumbai in the early hours of July 10, 2026

Mumbai crocodile rescue: 8.5-foot crocodile rescued from village near IIM Powai

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The Wildlife Welfare Association (WWA) received an emergency call at around 1 am on Friday and immediately sent a rescue team to the location, officials said

Mumbai: 8.5-foot crocodile rescued from village near IIM Powai

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