Chambal Gharial:
A Conservation Success Story in 2025Chambal Gharial:
A Conservation Success Story in 2025
What is a Gharial?
Scientific Name: Gavialis gangeticus
Status:
IUCN: Critically Endangered
- CITES: Appendix I
- Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972: Schedule I
Key Traits: Long, narrow snout; exclusively fish-eating; highly aquatic
Habitat and Range
Native to northern Indian rivers.
Present in Chambal, Girwa, Son, Gandak, etc.
The Chambal River remains the stronghold, with minimal pollution and suitable nesting banks.
2025 Update: Population Crosses 2,000
According to the 2025 census by the Madhya Pradesh Forest Department and WII, the gharial population in the Chambal river basin has crossed 2,000 individuals.
This marks a significant rise from ~1,200-1,500 individuals just five years ago.
Factors Behind the Population Surge
1. Effective Protection in National Chambal Sanctuary
- Covers parts of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh.
- Strict surveillance and patrolling.
2.Ban and Crackdown on Illegal Sand Mining
- Restored natural nesting sites and reduced disturbance.
3. Community Participation
- Local people involved in nest guarding, eco-tourism, and awareness programs.
4. Scientific Management
- Captive breeding at Deori and Kukrail centres.
- Hatchlings released into the wild under monitoring protocols.
5. Legal and Policy Support
- Orders by Supreme Court and NGT upheld habitat integrity.
6. Fisheries Regulation
- Restrictions on gill nets and fishing during breeding season.
Continuing Challenges
Climate variability: Alters river flow and nesting timelines.
Encroachment and tourism pressure.
Pollution from upstream agricultural and urban runoff.
Fragmentation due to upstream dams.
Way Forward
Strengthen inter-state river governance (MP-RJ-UP).
Integrate gharial conservation with Namami Gange and river rejuvenation programs.
Develop a national action plan for freshwater biodiversity.
Invest in real-time monitoring using drones, Al, and community observers.
Establish buffer zones around sensitive nesting sites.
Conclusion
The rise in Chambal gharial population to over 2,000 in 2025 is a remarkable conservation success, showcasing the results of multi-agency cooperation, habitat protection, and local participation. However, the focus must now shift toward ensuring ecological integrity and long-term sustainability, not just population numbers.