By Brij Khandelwal, IANS
Agra : The Chambal forests of central India that once used to be a hideout for notorious bandits are now the newest destination for nature lovers, especially those who want to see gharials in the wild.
A Lucknow-based hatchery recently released 80 captive-bred gharials – a crocodile-like reptile – in the Chambal river to further develop the area for adventure tourism and conservation of the critically endangered specie.
“We plan to release at least 270 more,” said an official, adding that by December-end there should be close to 400 gharials in the river.
The river, which criss-crosses the forest, especially between Kota in Rajasthan and Etawah in Uttar Pradesh, was once home to thousands of crocodiles and alligators, but over the years their population drastically declined due to widespread killing for their meat and hide.
But the new initiative by conservation organisations and government officials in Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan – the three states the river passes through – is now helping the gharial population bounce back.
The 100-km stretch of the Chambal river between Etawah to Bah, about 70 km from Agra, is fast becoming a favourite destination of nature lovers.
Thanks to the lack of developmental activities, the wilderness along the river is still intact, taking care of the region’s biodiversity. Declared a sanctuary in 1979, its status has continued to grow and wildlife tourism has shown a boom.
Every year, bird watchers from all over India converge along the river, mainly at Pinahat, Nangavan, and Kaijara Ghat to see different varieties of birds that swoop down on fish in the shallow, transparent waters.
Dozens of gharials can be seen basking under the sun on the river islands.
The sanctuary is also home to a large variety of fauna such as deer, neelgai, wild boars, wolves and smaller animals like rabbits and porcupines.
“Gangetic dolphins continue to remain a hot favourite at the Chambal,” says Gopal Pasricha who annually organises a safari.
The Chambal Foundation has been instrumental in promoting adventure tourism, transporting bird watchers and nature lovers from Agra to the Chambal valley.
“Groups of European and American bird watchers camp in the area for weeks in winter to get a glimpse of these birds which are so rare,” says Singh.
In the 1970s while travelling to Bah, one wouldn’t be surprised if a co-passenger turned out to be a dacoit giving you company. But now things have changed. It’s safe. And it’s adventure time!