5July 2021.
Introduction:
In last two days, 194 crocodiles have been relocated from Panchmuli lake near Statue of Unity in Narmada district, Gujarat.
Highlights
- Crocodiles were relocated for the safety of tourists do boat rides in the Panchmuli lake.
- This lake is situated near 182-metre-tall statue of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel in Kevadia.
- Lake has become a major tourist attraction. It had a large number of crocodiles which was a threat to visitors.
- In between October & March, 2019-20, 143 crocodiles were relocated.
- In 2020-21, 51 crocodiles were shifted to two rescue centres in Gandhinagar and Godhra. In 2019-20, 73 rescued crocodiles were released into Sardar Sarovar reservoir.
About Panchmuli lake
- This lake is also known as ‘Dyke-3’ of Sardar Sarovar Dam.
- It was developed for tourists visiting the Statue of Unity.
- Lake is located about 5 km away from Statue of Unity.
- It offers a clear view of Vindhyachal mountain range and Sardar Sarovar Dam.
About Statue of Unity
- It is a colossal statue of Indian statesman, independence activist, first Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister of independent India; Sardar Vallabhbhai Bhai Patel.
- Statue is located in Gujarat.
- It is dubbed as world’s tallest statue having a height of 182 metres.
- It is located on Narmada River in Kevadiya colony.
- It faces the Sardar Sarovar Dam 100 kilometres southeast of Vadodara city in Gujarat and 150 kilometres from Surat.
- Kevadia railway station is located at the distance of 5 kilometres from Statue of Unity.
- This project was first announced in 2010.
- Its construction started in October 2013 by Larsen & Toubro.
- It has been designed by Indian sculptor Ram V. Sutar. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had inaugurated the statue on October 31, 2018, to mark 143rd birth anniversary of Sardar Patel.