National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary)

The National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary is a protected area spanning the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh, established to conserve the critically endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) along with several other aquatic and terrestrial species of the Chambal River ecosystem. The sanctuary is among India’s most important freshwater biodiversity reserves and plays a vital role in protecting the ecological integrity of one of the country’s cleanest rivers.

Geographical Overview

The sanctuary extends over an area of approximately 5,400 square kilometres, with a length of about 435 kilometres along the Chambal River, a major tributary of the Yamuna River. It begins near the Chambal–Madhya Pradesh border and stretches downstream across Rajasthan and Uttar Pradesh, forming a continuous riverine ecosystem.
The terrain is characterised by ravines, gorges, and sandy banks, typical of the Chambal basin. The region’s semi-arid climate, combined with its rugged topography, provides an ideal habitat for reptiles and aquatic fauna. The sanctuary lies within the Indo-Gangetic plains and is jointly administered by the forest departments of the three states, under the guidance of the National Chambal Sanctuary Management and Coordination Committee.

Historical Background and Establishment

The sanctuary was established in 1979 under the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972, primarily to safeguard the declining population of the Gharial, a unique fish-eating crocodilian endemic to the Indian subcontinent. During the 1970s, extensive hunting, habitat destruction, and river pollution had brought the species to the brink of extinction.
Recognising the urgency of conservation, the Government of India, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), launched the Gharial Conservation Project. The Chambal River, being relatively unpolluted and biologically rich, was chosen as the ideal site for gharial reintroduction and habitat protection, leading to the creation of the sanctuary.

Flora and Habitat

The sanctuary’s vegetation is primarily dry scrub and ravine thorn forest, interspersed with patches of grassland and riverine flora. Common plant species include Acacia nilotica, Capparis decidua, Prosopis juliflora, and Salvadora persica. The riverbanks and islands support grasses and reeds that provide nesting and basking sites for reptiles and birds.
The unique combination of riverine, ravine, and wetland habitats sustains a high level of biodiversity and ecological productivity.

Faunal Diversity

The National Chambal Sanctuary is renowned for its rich assemblage of aquatic and semi-aquatic fauna.
Key species include:

• Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus): The flagship species of the sanctuary and one of the world’s rarest crocodilians. The sanctuary supports one of the largest breeding populations of gharials in the wild.
• Mugger Crocodile (Crocodylus palustris): Also known as the marsh crocodile, found alongside gharials in certain stretches.
• Gangetic Dolphin (Platanista gangetica): An endangered freshwater dolphin, which thrives in the clean waters of the Chambal River.
• Smooth-coated Otter (Lutrogale perspicillata): A semi-aquatic mammal that depends on fish-rich habitats.

Avifauna: The sanctuary is a paradise for birdwatchers, hosting over 320 species of resident and migratory birds, including:

• Indian skimmer
• Sarus crane
• Black-bellied tern
• Great thick-knee
• Bar-headed goose
• Ruddy shelduck
• Lesser flamingo

The river and surrounding wetlands serve as important wintering grounds for migratory species from Central Asia and Europe.
Other fauna:

• Indian wolf, striped hyena, golden jackal, and jungle cat inhabit the ravine areas.
• Several species of turtles, such as the Indian roofed turtle, narrow-headed softshell turtle, and Indian tent turtle, are found in abundance.

Ecological Significance

The Chambal River system is considered one of the cleanest river ecosystems in India, owing to minimal industrial activity along its course. The sanctuary plays a crucial role in:

• Maintaining freshwater biodiversity in the Gangetic basin.
• Supporting endangered and endemic species such as the gharial and Gangetic dolphin.
• Preserving aquatic food chains and breeding grounds for fish and waterfowl.
• Acting as a biological corridor between the Aravalli and Vindhyan mountain ranges.

The conservation of the Chambal River also benefits downstream ecosystems of the Yamuna and Ganga rivers.

Threats and Conservation Challenges

Despite its ecological importance, the National Chambal Sanctuary faces several conservation challenges:

• Illegal sand mining: Rampant extraction of river sand destroys gharial nesting sites and alters river hydrology.
• Fishing and poaching: Use of gill nets and dynamite fishing pose a severe threat to dolphins, gharials, and turtles.
• Pollution and agricultural runoff: Increasing agricultural activity along the banks introduces fertilisers and pesticides into the river.
• Habitat fragmentation: Infrastructure development, such as roads and dams, affects the continuity of the river ecosystem.
• Encroachment and grazing: Human settlements and livestock grazing along the banks disturb wildlife habitats.

Conservation Initiatives

To address these challenges, several conservation and management measures have been implemented:

• Gharial Rehabilitation Programme: Hatchlings bred in captivity are released into the river to reinforce the wild population.
• Joint management committees: Coordination between Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh ensures unified conservation policies.
• Anti-poaching patrols and awareness campaigns: Regular monitoring by forest departments and NGOs to curb illegal activities.
• Community engagement: Local communities are encouraged to participate in eco-tourism and habitat protection programmes.
• Scientific monitoring: Ongoing research on gharial population dynamics, dolphin behaviour, and habitat quality by organisations like the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

Tourism and Accessibility

The sanctuary offers excellent opportunities for eco-tourism and wildlife photography, particularly around Morena (Madhya Pradesh), Dholpur (Rajasthan), and Etawah (Uttar Pradesh). Key visitor attractions include:

• Boat safaris: Allow tourists to observe gharials, dolphins, and birds in their natural habitat.
• Chambal Safari Lodge (near Agra): A popular eco-friendly resort promoting sustainable tourism.
• Ater Fort and Bateshwar Temples: Cultural heritage sites located near the sanctuary.

The best time to visit is between November and March, when the river flow stabilises and migratory birds arrive.

Significance and Recognition

The National Chambal (Gharial) Wildlife Sanctuary stands as a model for integrated riverine conservation, protecting some of the most threatened species of the Indian subcontinent. Its success in gharial and dolphin conservation has made it a focus of international attention in biodiversity preservation.
In recognition of its ecological value, efforts are underway to designate it as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also forms part of India’s National River Conservation Plan, highlighting its contribution to sustainable water resource management and wildlife protection.