BHOPAL: If you happen to pass by the road alongside the Kaliyasot dam late in the afternoon these days, chances are that you would notice a crowd hanging around the place.Neither have the sluices opened, nor is there any Bollywood film being shot. It’s the thrilling spectacle of crocodiles and alligators out in the open that’s drawing more than usual visitors to the place. As the water-levels of the dam have gone down, the reptiles have crept up to the roadside.Garima Adhikari, who reached the spot along with her friends, said: “We have seen crocodiles and alligators in national parks, but seeing them out in the open is extremely thrilling. We got the news (about the crocodiles out in the open) and have come here to experience some thrill.”Naresh Sharma, was just passing by along with his family and stopped out of curiosity after seeing a crowd on the roadside. “I was going for lunch with my family, and was passing by the ground. We noticed a crowd. Just to find the reason, we drove our car here. To see the crocodiles is a fun and this place has become a picnic spot of sorts,” said Sharma. Forest guards, though, are having a tough time trying keep the onlookers at a safe distance away from the reptiles.“Since there is a temple in the centre of the ground, people keep visiting here. However, the number has increased considerably off late, because the visitors get to see the alligators and crocodiles,” said Angad Mishra, a forest guard.“Till now, daily around 200 people used to visit this place. But after the crocodiles appeared along the roadside, the number of visitors has gone up. We try to keep them away from the reptiles.” As per forest officials, around five reptiles, including crocodiles and alligators, keep moving depending on the water-levels. Last year too the reptiles were spotted at the roadside, added the officials.

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