Chambal River: Home to 80% of the World's Adult Gharials
The Chambal River in Madhya Pradesh has become the last safe habitat for gharials. The state, already known as the land of tigers, leopards, and cheetahs, is now also recognized as the “State of Gharials.” Out of the total 3,044 gharials in India, around 2,456 live in Madhya Pradesh — over 80% of the country's gharial population. The river also provides a habitat for the Gangetic dolphin.
Due to continuous conservation efforts, gharials in the region have been successfully protected. Their natural habitats have been preserved, illegal hunting has been curbed, and harmful fishing practices have been stopped.
Chambal Gharial Sanctuary and Conservation Efforts
A 435-kilometer stretch of the Chambal River has been declared the Chambal Gharial Sanctuary. The river flows along the borders of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh. The Deori Eco Centre plays a major role in gharial population growth — gharial eggs are collected and hatched here, and after three years, about 200 young gharials are released into the river every year under the “Grow and Release” program.
Clean water is essential for gharials, and their presence indicates a healthy river ecosystem. Chambal’s gharials have become symbols of pride for both the state and the nation.
Decline and Recovery
Between the 1950s and 1960s, the gharial population in India declined by more than 80%. The Indian government began conservation programs in the 1970s, focusing on breeding and reintroduction. Despite a dip between 1997 and 2006, gharial numbers are once again rising due to sustained efforts.
About the Gharial Species
The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), also known as the fish-eating crocodile, is characterized by a long, narrow snout and interlocking sharp teeth — perfect for catching fish. Adult females measure between 2.6 to 4.5 meters, while males can reach lengths of up to 6 meters. The male’s bulbous growth at the snout’s end, resembling a pot (“ghara” in Hindi), gives the species its name.
National Chambal Sanctuary
The National Chambal Sanctuary was officially approved on September 30, 1978 to protect the river ecosystem. Spanning across Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, it shelters gharials, crocodiles, Gangetic dolphins, freshwater turtles, and rare birds like the Indian Skimmer. Over 290 bird species have been recorded here, making it one of the most important biodiversity zones in India.
To strengthen gharial conservation, hatching centers have been established at the Deori Gharial Center in Morena district. Over 1,200 local villagers have been trained as “Gharial Mitras” (friends of gharials) to assist in protection efforts. In addition, gharials from Chambal have been relocated to Punjab — 25 to the Sutlej River in 2018 and 25 to the Beas River in 2020 — to revive their populations.
The sanctuary’s main attractions remain the gharials and the Indian Skimmer, a rare bird species that nests here during the summer season. Nearly 80% of India’s skimmer population resides in the Chambal Sanctuary.