1,050 baby crocs released into river Girwa

LUCKNOW: The state forest department has successfully released 1050 hatchlings (baby crocodiles) in river Girwa Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary, Bahraich district. Sandy banks of river Girwa are a perfect breeding ground for crocodiles.

The department has been successful in implementing the crocodile breeding programme in a natural environment in Katerniaghat. Unlike other crocodile breeding programmes, which were carried out in captivity, this one is in a natural environment.

Last week, officials of Katerniaghat wildlife sanctuary successfully released the hatchlings into the river.

Forest officials played a crucial role in the successful incubation of these eggs. “Over a period of time, sandy banks of river Girwa have become the perfect breeding grounds for crocodiles. This has happened due to sustained efforts of forest officials, who keep a watch on poachers and wildlife smugglers,” said a senior forest official. In the state capital, Kukrail reserve forest is a famous breeding ground for crocodiles. From this breeding centre crocodiles are sent all across the state.

It was due to the constantly depleting numbers of crocodiles in India that this breeding programme was started in India in 1978. The Kukrail reserve forest is among the most famous breeding centres in the country.