Forest Department plans to improve facilities at Amaravathy Crocodile Farm in Tiruppur

Forest Department to enhance Amaravathy Crocodile Farm amenities, including captive breeding and eco shop, boosting tourism revenue.

The Forest Department has proposed to scale up facilities at the Amaravathy Crocodile Farm close to the Amaravathy Dam, factoring in the steady increase in footfall of tourists.

A Detailed Project Report (DPR) is to be prepared for further improving the tourist amenities at the crocodile farm, official sources said.

The largest wild breeding population of crocodiles in south India lives in the Amaravathy reservoir and in the Chinnar, Thennar and Pambar rivers that drain into it.

Captive breeding of mugger crocodiles is being carried out in the crocodile farm.

The crocodile eggs are collected from wild nests along the perimeter of the reservoir to be hatched and reared at the farm. Adult crocodiles are being reintroduced from here into the wild.

There are now 84 crocodiles in the farm, that attract tourists in droves particularly during weekends.

Over the last couple of years, the Forest Department had established a Children’s Park, a walking track, and toilets for the convenience of tourists.