Crocodile Spotted Wandering At IIT Bombay Campus

A giant crocodile was spotted casually wandering along a lakeside road on IIT Bombay’s Powai campus on March 23, 2025, igniting a mix of shock and amusement among onlookers. The reptile, believed to have strayed from nearby Powai Lake, was seen resting on the road late Sunday night, much to the disbelief of students and staff.

In a now-viral video shared across social media platforms, the crocodile can be seen making its way toward the road, leaving a stunned police officer and several bystanders in awe. Pawan Sharma, founder and president of the Resqink Association for Wildlife Welfare (RAWW) and honorary wildlife warden, suggested that the crocodile might have been a female searching for a suitable nesting spot to lay eggs.

"It crawled back into the lake on its own," Sharma remarked, emphasizing that such occurrences are rare, as crocodiles typically remain in their aquatic habitats and avoid human-populated areas. The Mumbai Range of the Thane Territorial Wing is currently monitoring the situation, advising the public to remain calm and avoid areas where crocodiles are commonly seen.

The incident drew a range of reactions online, with many users humorously commenting on the crocodile's unexpected appearance. One user quipped, "Bro came to take his degree," while another expressed concern for the reptile's safety, stating, "Safety concerns for the crocodile for sure. I hope that baby’s safe." Others playfully suggested that the crocodile might have been seeking a job placement, with one user writing, "IIT is known for its placements; maybe it came for an interview!"

This isn't the first time a crocodile has been spotted in unusual urban settings in Mumbai. In September 2024, a nine-foot-long crocodile was rescued from a residential society in Mulund, highlighting the ongoing interactions between wildlife and urban environments. Sharma noted that such sightings, while uncommon, are becoming more frequent as wildlife habitats are encroached upon.

Local wildlife experts and authorities have been working to ensure the safety of both the crocodile and the public. They remind residents that while these reptiles can sometimes wander into populated areas, it is crucial to exercise caution and respect for wildlife. The recent sighting serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between urban development and natural habitats.

As the Powai campus community processes the surreal event, the authorities continue to monitor the lakeside area closely, ensuring that both students and wildlife can coexist peacefully. The crocodile's brief excursion into the urban landscape has not only captured the public's attention but also sparked conversations about wildlife conservation and the need for awareness regarding local fauna.

With the increasing frequency of such encounters, experts urge residents to remain vigilant and informed about wildlife behaviors. As Pawan Sharma pointed out, female crocodiles often seek safe locations to lay their eggs, which can lead them to venture into areas where they are not typically found.

In summary, the sighting of the crocodile at IIT Bombay serves as a fascinating case study of wildlife adapting to changing environments while also prompting discussions about human-wildlife interactions in urban settings. As the community reflects on the event, it also raises questions about how best to protect both urban residents and the wildlife that shares their space.