the effect of availability of food, disturbance and basking regimes across these three areas, for reaching the conclusion about the stress caused to the crocodiles. It is further submitted that the muggers in Vishwamitri river are reproducing well and population is increasing according to this report. Therefore, the report is misleading. The report also does not provide any values of pollution levels in these habitats to make a direct correlation with the results and also uses only conflict (fatal and non-fatal) values as a proxy of disturbance. There is a possibility that high density of the species in Vadodara could itself increase stress level and it would be premature to consider only pollution and human factors as casual factors behind high stress levels in Vadodara muggers without appropriately testing such possibilities. It is submitted that the MoEF&CC has issued an advisory on 06.02.2021 to all States/UTs to deal with human wildlife conflict situations, which recommends coordinated interdepartmental action, identification of conflict hot spots, adherence to Standard Operating Procedures, establishment of rapid response teams, formation of State and District level committees to review the quantum of ex-gratia relief and prompt payment of relief to affected persons and sensitization and awareness drives. A copy of the said Guidelines is annexed with the said affidavit.
