The Tamil Nadu Forest Department is establishing a Crocodile Conservation Centre at Anaikarai near Kumbakonam to address the growing human-crocodile conflict in the Kollidam River. The â¹2.5 crore project aims to mitigate conflicts, educate local communities about crocodile conservation and human safety, and conduct research on the Mugger crocodile population and its habitat. The centre will include a nature park, a watch tower, and GI chain link mesh fencing in vulnerable areas. The project will also involve awareness campaigns through meetings, street plays, and other publicity modes to educate communities about safe practices and the importance of crocodile conservation. The initiative comes in response to increasing reports of crocodiles preying on livestock and occasionally attacking humans, highlighting the need for a comprehensive approach to managing the conflict and ensuring the safety of both humans and crocodiles.