Water authorities suspect that the crocodile may have entered the Krishna basin through the pumps of the Pattiseema lift irrigation project, through which Godavari water has been diverted to the Krishna basin in recent days. The Pattiseema project has 24 pumps, each with a diametre of 3.2 metres. Nearly 20tmc of Godavari water has reached the Krishna basin this season since pumping began on July 8. A total of 462tmc of Godavari water has been pumped into the Krishna basin since the Pattiseema project was commissioned. Meanwhile, the mixing of Godavari water with the Krishna River has turned the water reddish brown, attracting visitors to Prakasam barrage.