Odisha Marks 50 Years of Crocodile Conservation: A Call to Action

Celebrating Crocodile Conservation in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Minister for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Ganeshram Singkhuntia, urged citizens to transform crocodile conservation into a widespread initiative during a recent event.

The occasion marked the 50th anniversary of the Crocodile Conservation Project in the state.

In a video message shared at the event celebrating International Crocodile Day, the minister highlighted Odisha's significance as a habitat for all three crocodile species: the saltwater crocodile (Baula), Mugger, and Gharials.

"For half a century, our state has set a global benchmark in crocodile conservation," he stated.

He emphasized that protecting crocodiles goes beyond saving a single species; it represents the preservation of rivers, water bodies, and the entire ecosystem.

Crocodiles are crucial to the food chain, aiding in maintaining biodiversity by eliminating dead organisms from aquatic environments, thus fostering a healthy ecosystem, Singkhuntia explained.

He reiterated the state's dedication to safeguarding water, forests, and wildlife, urging everyone to commit to continuing the legacy of environmental protection initiated by previous generations.

The current challenge is to enhance the success of the crocodile conservation project while ensuring the ecological balance of wetlands, he added.

Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) for Forest, Environment, and Climate Change, Satyabrat Sahu, remarked, "Today, we celebrate not just an event, but a remarkable 50-year journey in crocodile conservation in Odisha."

He recounted that nearly five decades ago, the three crocodile species in Odisha were on the brink of extinction, with their population dwindling to a mere few.

In response to this crisis, the ambitious conservation project was launched in 1975 with support from both the Government of India and the United Nations, establishing Odisha as a global leader in this initiative.

From just 96 Baula crocodiles in Bhitarkanika mangroves, their population has surged to 1,880.

Additionally, the natural reproduction of Gharials at Satkosia Gorge has led to an increase to 16 individuals.

Thanks to successful breeding programs, the state now boasts over 200 Mugger crocodiles.