Crocodile Conservation Reserve in 140 km stretch along river Gandak

Satish Aditya/Tirthraj  Kushawaha

Motihari/ Bagaha :  After Valmikinagar Tiger Rreserve (VTR) in West Champaran district in North Bihar, a Crocodile Conservation Reserve (CCR) is going to be established in 140 km stretch along river Gandak also called Narayani river in central Nepal and India. This river, formed by the union of Kali and Trishuli rivers which originate from Himalaya range in Nepal, flows southwest in Bihar from Valmikinagar and joins river Ganga opposite Patna. Bihar Government is also planning to develop it as eco-tourism hotspot.

The CCR mission, first of its kind in Bihar, has been initiated by the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to protect the endangered crocodile species from extinction. A Member of WTI team said that his organisation has identified a 140 km stretch
from Ratawal bridge to  the down stream along river Gandak having the second largest population of the reptile after Chambal.

Sameer Kumar Sinha, Deputy Director, WTI, talking to mediapersons aid  Gandak originates from Nepal in the down
stream have largest population of crocodile. The crocodile are  now found in India and Nepal only with no presence in
Bangaladesh and Maymar. Bihar State Board of Wildlife has already agreed in principle to creation of the CCR.

It may be recalled WTI has  started the Crocodile Conservation Project in Bihar. There are large numbers of
Alligators (small size crocodiles) found in Gandak near Valmikinagar and several people of Saran, West and East
Champaran districts were their victims during last five years.