A view of Mahanadi river from Satkosia gorge, Tikarpada.

Out of three existing Indian crocodilians, gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) is the most threatened one. Many rivers in Orissa were inhibited by this species. But by mid 70’s they were restricted to Mahanadi only. Conservation measures with captive breeding and release into the river started.

Fishing by cane cage.

Though the state had success in first ever-captive breeding, their status in the wild has declined, though individuals have been found straying out to different tributaries, canals, lagoon and beaches. This project aims at studying the entire Mahanadi system to assess the exact status of this species, causes of its depletion and suggests remedial measures.