Nayagarh, Mar 30: As many as 12 gharial crocodiles were released into the Mahanadi River on Monday, bringing the total number of these reptiles in the river to 35. The crocodiles were initially reared for an extended period at Nandankanan Zoological Park before being gradually reintroduced into their natural habitat.
Each released crocodile was fitted with a tracking device to allow continuous monitoring of their movements. The release was conducted with the assistance of forest officials from the Nayagarh Forest Division and a specialised team responsible for transporting the crocodiles from Nandankanan.
According to RCCF Sanjay Kumar Swain, this successful conservation initiative not only helps restore ecological balance in the Mahanadi but also enhances Odisha’s recognition in wildlife conservation and eco-tourism across India.
The project, which began in 2019, aims to restore the natural balance and increase the population of gharial crocodiles in the Satkosia stretch of the Mahanadi River, and has now achieved a significant milestone.
