Chambal Gharial Sanctuary witnesses marginal increase in crocodile number

Jaipur: The population of freshwater crocodiles at the Chambal Gharial Sanctuary has marginally increased as per the annual reptile census. The latest counting puts the number at 455 crocodiles, whereas in 2022 the number was 440.
Forest officials said the count in the sanctuary was completed between Keshoraipatan and Rajakhera in Dholpur Fifteen more reptiles have been sighted this year in comparison to previous year. DFO, Anil Yadav said, “Conservation efforts in Rajasthan have resulted in their increase. Moreover, tourism in the Palighat area has provided a boost in crocodile conservation as regular human movement keeps illegal fishermen, who were a major threat, at bay.”
Environmentalists too believe that illegal mining and fishing have stopped in most parts of the area after the boat rides were launched. “In the 2021 Budget, chief minister Ashok Gehlot announced augmentation of tourism facilities in the National Chambal Sanctuary (NCS). As part of this announcement, infrastructure like floating jetty, camping facilities, nature trails, and boating were started. This has increased a vigil and wildlife is protected to a large extent,” said Vishal Singh, an environmentalist and regular visitor at Ranthambore National Park and Palighat
A forest official said that ecotourism has immense possibilities in Rajasthan, given the huge variety.
“A plan was chalked out to showcase the sanctuary in a sustainable and responsible manner so that not only the sanctuary is protected, but wildlife enthusiasts can also experience the beauty and thrill of exploring a hitherto unexplored destination.” said an official.
The NCS comprises 625km of the river in Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh. In Rajasthan, the NCS was notified in 1979 – the stretches between Jawahar Sagar Dam and Kota Barrage and Keshoraipatan to Gadi Tidawali. The easiest access points to the river are at Kota, Palighat in Sawai Madhopur and Dholpur.
An official claimed that Chambal has huge potential to be the most preferred destination for wildlife tourists. “Rajasthan has more to offer than just tigers. The project in NCS will conserve it for next generations to come,” he said.