Parliament Question: Gharial Sanctuaries

**Executive Summary** This document answers unstarred question No. 2513 in Lok Sabha regarding Gharial Sanctuaries, to be answered on December 15, 2025. It outlines the sanctuaries that are habitats for gharials, the responsibilities of state and union territories for wildlife protection, and the financial assistance provided by the ministry for conservation efforts. A key action is the launch of a new initiative for Gharial conservation decided on March 3, 2025. **Key Points / Main Content** * **Gharial Sanctuaries and Habitats:** * States and Union Territories are empowered to notify Protected Areas under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972. * National Chambal Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh), Son Gharial Sanctuary, and Ken Gharial Sanctuary (Madhya Pradesh) are gharial habitats. * Other locations where gharials are found include Katerniaghat and Hastinapur Sanctuary (Uttar Pradesh), Corbett National Park (Uttarakhand), Satkosia Gorge Sanctuary (Odisha), Gandhak river, Ghagra river etc. * **Population Estimation:** * The Ministry undertakes population estimation for flagship species like Tiger, Leopard, Snow Leopard, and Dolphin. * Population assessments for other wild animals are carried out by the States/UTs and are not collated at the Ministry level. * **Gharial Projects in Madhya Pradesh:** * Son Gharial Sanctuary (Sidhi District) and Ken Gharial Sanctuary are located in Madhya Pradesh. * **Conservation and Management:** * Protection and management of wildlife and its habitat are primarily the responsibility of State Governments and Union Territory Administrations. * At the 7th meeting of the National Board for Wild Life on March 3, 2025, a new initiative for gharial conservation and threat mitigation was decided. * Gharial is included under the species recovery program component of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme - Development of Wildlife Habitats. * The Ministry provides financial assistance to States/UTs for wildlife conservation, protection, and habitat management, including ecotourism activities, based on annual plans. **Impact Analysis** **State Governments and Union Territory Administrations** * **Impact:** Primary responsibility for protecting and managing wildlife and their habitats. * **Action Required:** Implement conservation and management plans, utilize financial assistance provided by the Ministry, and conduct population assessments for wild animals. Prepare annual plans of operation to receive financial assistance. **Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change** * **Impact:** Responsible for population estimation of flagship species and providing financial assistance. * **Action Required:** Continue population estimation of flagship species and provide financial support to States/UTs based on their annual operational plans. Launch and oversee the new gharial conservation initiative decided on March 3, 2025. **Wildlife and Gharial Populations** * **Impact:** Benefit from conservation efforts and habitat protection. * **Action Required:** None, indirectly benefit from conservation plans.

Key Entities Referenced