Odisha a Global Leader in Crocodile Conservation: Forest Minister Ganeshram Singkhuntia

Bhubaneswar, June 17 : Odisha has emerged as a global model in crocodile conservation, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Minister Ganeshram Singkhuntia said on Tuesday, marking International Crocodile Day and the 50th anniversary of the state’s Crocodile Conservation Project.

Speaking at a commemorative event organised by the State Wildlife Headquarters, Singkhuntia emphasised that Odisha’s success over the past five decades in conserving the salt-water crocodile (baula), the mugger, and the gharial has set international benchmarks.

“The challenge before us is to make Odisha’s crocodile-conservation programme as successful as possible while safeguarding the ecological balance of our wetlands,” the Minister said. Crocodiles, he added, are crucial to ecosystem health and serve as indicators of wetland vitality. As eco-tourism icons, they also contribute to local livelihoods, turning conservation into an economic and social imperative.

Odisha is the only state in India where all three crocodile species are found in their natural habitats. The state’s journey began in 1975 with an ambitious project launched in collaboration with the Government of India and the United Nations. Back then, all three species faced near extinction.

Thanks to decades of sustained efforts, the salt-water crocodile population in the Bhitarkanika mangroves has increased from 96 to 1,880. The gharial population in the Satkosia Gorge of the Mahanadi has also seen a natural rise, reaching 16 individuals. This year’s census recorded over 200 mugger crocodiles.

Additional Chief Secretary (Forest, Environment and Climate Change) Satyabrata Sahu described the milestone as “50 years of a unique and glorious journey in nature conservation.” He credited the success to scientists, frontline forest staff, and local communities, especially those engaged as “Crocodile Friends,” who are rewarded for safely returning hatchlings caught in fishing nets.

Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Suresh Panth cautioned, however, that success has brought new challenges. Shrinking habitats and increased human-crocodile interactions demand greater public awareness. The government has responded with protective enclosures, safe bathing ghats, and compensation schemes.

OUAT Vice-Chancellor Pravat Kumar Raul proposed setting up a dedicated academic centre for wildlife conservation on the university campus, furthering research and education in the field.

During the event, several initiatives were unveiled, including a documentary, a book on gharials, a commemorative brochure, and an interim report on gharial recovery. Noted crocodile experts Dr. Lala Ashwini Kumar Singh, Dr. Sudhakar Kar, and Prof. Dr. Sudarshan Maharana were honoured for their lifetime contributions.

A national workshop on crocodile conservation will be held in Bhubaneswar on June 18, drawing participants from across India. From June 17 to 25, a week-long awareness campaign featuring mobile exhibitions, cycle rallies, and wall paintings will be conducted across crocodile habitats such as Mangrove, Satkosia, Similipal, Berhampur, and Nandankanan.

“Crocodile conservation is not just about saving a species—it is about protecting rivers, wetlands, and entire ecosystems,” Minister Singkhuntia concluded, calling for mass public participation in conservation efforts.