Study OAS · 21 June 2025

“River Guardian” – Gharial Species Conservation Programme Launched

What’s New?

June 2025: Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav inaugurated the Gharial Species Conservation Programme at Katarniaghat Wildlife Sanctuary, releasing seven juvenile gharials (fish eating crocodiles) into the Gerua River.
The programme emphasizes community-led conservation, involving expert inputs and public suggestions to address human–wildlife conflict and build a long-term action plan.

Gharials (Gavialis gangeticus) are Critically Endangered, with less than 250 mature individuals in the wild—Chambal, Gandak, Mahanadi, Satkosia hotspots included.
Their decline highlights broader issues of riverine health, fish population balance, and ecosystem integrity.
This initiative is a critical element of India’s Project Crocodile (1975), a flagship model of reptile conservation.

50 years of Project Crocodile: Commemorated on World Crocodile Day, underscoring its longevity—rests on Chambal (2,456 gharials), Gandak (~217), Satkosia successes (29 hatchlings in 2025).
Odisha’s Gharial Recovery Project: Released 7 adults in Apr 2025 at Mahanadi (Satkosia); recorded fifth consecutive breeding year there.
MP & UP releases: Madhya Pradesh released 10 gharials in Chambal; surveyed >2,400 individuals; UP also active through Nicola and Chambal sanctuaries .

Released gharials are being fitted with GPS–VHF transmitters, enabling real-time tracking and movement studies.
A collaborative India–South Korea study highlights future habitat shifts—north‑east regions may become more suitable, prompting planning for habitat connectivity and conflict mitigation.

Programs like the Gandak Recovery Project actively involve farmers and fishers, who monitor nests and protect eggs—a model National Geographic praised as “unique partnership”.
Local communities, NGOs, state wildlife departments, IUCN–SSC Crocodile Specialist Group, and global bodies (e.g., LA Zoo, Wildlife Trust of India) play integral roles.

Taxonomy & Habitat: Gharial is an Asian crocodilian, endemic to South Asia, with a thin snout adapted for piscivory .
Legal protection: Listed as Critically Endangered under IUCN Red List, Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act 1972, and CITES Appendix I .
Key sites & population:
- National Chambal Sanctuary (tri‑state): Holds ~77% of India’s population (~2,456 individuals).
- Gandak River reserves: Grew from 30 to ~217 gharials (2023).
- Satkosia Gorge (Odisha): Demonstrated natural breeding—29 hatchlings in May 2025.

Launch of a new conservation programme in Uttar Pradesh’s Katarniaghat signals renewed focus on critically endangered gharials.
Followed by multi-pronged efforts across states—MP, UP, Odisha, Bihar—featuring releases, breeding success, and community stewardship.
Modern tracking tech, international research, and grassroot engagement strengthen efforts to safeguard river ecosystem health.

Programme: Gharial Species Conservation Programme launched June 2025, Katarniaghat (Gerua River), UP.
Species status: Critically Endangered, <250 mature individuals in wild; major populations in Chambal, Gandak, Mahanadi.
Key initiatives:
- Project Crocodile (since 1975) including captive breeding, release, and habitat protection.
- Odisha’s project: adult release + breeding continuity in Satkosia.
- MP & UP releases with tracking tags; Chambal Sanctuary surveys (~2,456 individuals).
Scientific support: GPS‑VHF telemetry; climate-based habitat suitability mapping.
Community role: Farmers/fishers protect nests; Gandak project is collaborative.
Conservation partners: Local departments, NGOs (WTI), international zoo partnerships, IUCN Crocodile Specialist Group.
Policy/legal link: Wildlife Protection Act (Schedule I), IUCN status, CITES Appendix I.
Importance: Gharial conservation is a proxy for river health, biodiversity, climate resilience, and participatory conservation models.