India, July 20 -- As rivers swell across Uttar Pradesh's Terai region during the monsoon, crocodile attacks and sightings are becoming increasingly frequent, triggering fear among villagers living along riverbanks. Forest officials say the reptiles are moving beyond their usual habitats due to rising water levels and have intensified preventive measures to minimise human-crocodile conflict.

Lakhimpur Kheri alone has reported three deaths and one serious injury in crocodile attacks over the past 60 days. In neighbouring Bahraich, a series of fatal incidents has heightened concerns among residents and prompted the Forest Department to step up surveillance and awareness campaigns.

The latest tragedy occurred on July 16, when 12-year-old Su...