Farmers in Karnataka’s Vijayapura district took a crocodile to the office of the state-run Hubli Electricity Supply Company (HESCOM) in an ‘unusual’ protest against the irregular power cuts disrupting agricultural activities, news agency PTI reported.

The anguished farmers were peeved at the risk posed by wild animals and snakes when they went to their farms during night time due to inadequate supply during day.

A farmer encountered the large crocodile in his agriculture field when he went to water his farm after power supply was restored in the night last week. They said, the crocodile had come from the nearby Krishna river in search of a prey. Villagers, subsequently secured the reptile and transported it to the power station, where HESCOM personnel were stationed to demonstrate the danger posed to them.

Finding the ‘unusual guest’ in their office, the HESCOM officials called the police and forest officials for a rescue. The forest officials later left the crocodile in the Almatti Dam from where it is believed to have strayed into the field.

The HESCOM officials also assured the villagers to ensure no power cuts during day-time.

According to irrigation department, scanty rainfall this year has disrupted agriculture activities. There is not enough water in the dams to release for irrigation purposes. Farmers are dependent on borewells for irrigation. The excessive power consumption for irrigation purposes has created power scarcity.

Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah had also said that there was a power shortage in Karnataka due to steep rise in demand and consumptiom. Power consumption in October used to be about 10,000 MW, which has gone up to 16,000 MW in the state due to increased usage of electricity for agriculture purposes.

(With inputs from PTI)