Mumbai: A crocodile was safely rescued after being spotted near the Powai NITIE area in Mumbai, setting off alarm among residents after a video of the reptile
went viral on social media. The clip caught the attention of civic officials, who moved in with the concerned department and completed the rescue without any injury.
The sighting comes at a time when Mumbai is facing intense monsoon rain. Roads have flooded, trains and flights have been hit, trees have fallen and several areas have seen disruption. With water levels rising around lakes and drains, such surprise wildlife encounters can happen, mainly around areas close to water bodies like Powai Lake.
Crocodile 🐊 Spotted at Powai Nitie Area ! @IndiaWeatherMan @mybmc @powaiinfo @tv@MahaForest #MumbaiTak #powai #mumbairains pic.twitter.com/0ht97OyeXl
— Anand (@anand_ingle89) July 7, 2026
Social media video triggered quick action
The incident first came to public notice after an X user posted a video of the crocodile near Powai NITIE. The post said, “Crocodile Spotted at Powai Nitie Area ! @IndiaWeatherMan @mybmc @powaiinfo @tv @MahaForest.”
As the video started spreading, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation responded and asked for the exact location. This helped the rescue team reach the spot and secure the reptile.
The person who shared the first video later posted another update, saying, “Crocodile Spotted at Powai Nitie Rescued Safely by The Concern Authority.”
No injuries were reported. Officials also made sure the animal was not harmed during the rescue.
Why crocodiles are seen near Powai during monsoon
Wildlife experts say crocodile sightings around Powai Lake are not rare. The area is known to have marsh crocodiles, also called mugger crocodiles. These reptiles live in freshwater areas such as lakes, rivers, reservoirs and wetlands.
During heavy rain, water levels rise and flooded channels may push reptiles away from their usual spots. They may move in search of shelter or connected water routes. That is when people sometimes see them near roads, housing areas or campus zones.
Crocodile Rescued After Straying Into Residential Area Near Powai Lake#MumbaiRains pic.twitter.com/ngTXinLOMc
— Irfan Ansari (@Irfan_Ansari777) July 7, 2026
Mumbai rain adds to the concern
Mumbai’s monsoon has remained intense since the start of the season. Cumulative rainfall has now touched 1,264.5 mm at Colaba and 1,314.8 mm at Santacruz. This means Colaba has already received nearly 60 per cent of its average seasonal rainfall, while Santacruz has received around 57 per cent within the first fortnight itself.
For Tuesday, an orange alert has been issued for Mumbai and Thane, with the forecast warning of heavy to very heavy rain and strong winds. Raigad and Palghar remain under a red alert, with heavy to very heavy rainfall likely and extremely heavy rain possible at isolated places.
