UPSC CURRENT AFFAIRS – 16th June 2025
50 Years of Crocodile Conservation Programme
Why in News?
In 2025, India marks 50 years of its Crocodile Conservation Programme.
Background:
- As India commemorates the 50th anniversary of its Crocodile Conservation Programme in 2025, it is Odisha’s pioneering role that stands out in this landmark journey of ecological revival.
- The State’s early and sustained efforts have been pivotal in reviving all three native crocodilian species—the gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus), and mugger crocodile (Crocodylus palustris).
Birth of a Conservation Legacy
- On April 1, 1975, the Government of India, alarmed by the findings of a 1974 survey by noted herpetologist H.R. Bustard launched the Crocodile Conservation Project with technical support from the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations.
- Odisha became the centre of India’s first scientific crocodile conservation initiatives, hosting breeding populations of all three species.
- Dedicated rearing and incubation centres were quickly established—Tikarpada on the Mahanadi River for gharials and Dangamal in Bhitarkanika for saltwater crocodiles.
- Uttar Pradesh followed with similar efforts at Kukrail and Katarnia Ghat.
- Eggs collected from the wild were hatched under controlled conditions, and hatchlings were raised until they reached a safer size of 1.2 metres.
Historic Breakthroughs
- The first hatchlings of gharials and saltwater crocodiles emerged from Odisha’s centres in June 1975, only two months after the programme’s launch—marking a historic milestone in Indian wildlife conservation.
- Odisha soon became the first State to appoint full-time wildlife biologists and develop conservation breeding pools at Nandankanan Zoological Park and Dangamal.
- In a significant example of international collaboration, an adult male gharial was brought from the Frankfurt Zoological Society to aid breeding in Odisha.
Protected Habitats and Scientific Leadership
- Bhitarkanika and Satkosia were the first protected areas in India for saltwater crocodiles and gharials, respectively.
- These regions were later upgraded to National Park and Tiger Reserve status.
- Odisha was also the first State to release captive-reared crocodiles back into the wild—setting standards for reintroduction protocols.
Odisha remains the only State to host conservation centres for all three crocodilian species:
- Tikarpada for gharials
- Dangamal for saltwater crocodiles
- Ramatirtha for mugger crocodiles
The State also produced India’s first PhDs in crocodilian research, underscoring its scientific leadership.
A Remarkable Recovery
From near extinction in the 1970s, India’s crocodilian populations have witnessed a dramatic recovery:
- Gharials: Now estimated at 3,000 individuals in the wild, with over 400 nests recorded annually across habitats like the National Chambal Sanctuary, Katarnia Ghat, and the Gandak River. India now holds 80% of the global wild population of gharials.
- Saltwater Crocodiles: The population has rebounded to about 2,500, with Bhitarkanika in Odisha hosting the largest share, followed by the Andaman & Nicobar Islands and Sundarbans in West Bengal.
- Mugger Crocodiles: Their numbers have surged to an estimated 8,000–10,000, reclaiming most of their historical range.
- More than 20 zoos, led by the Madras Crocodile Bank, now breed crocodiles and support reintroduction efforts, reducing dependence on wild egg collection.
Looking Ahead
- In March 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a new national project for gharial conservation.
- According to retired WII scientist B.C. Choudhury, this initiative aims to re-establish the gharial across its historical range—including the Brahmaputra and Indus River systems, and the southernmost extent in the Mahanadi in Odisha, where revival efforts have shown promising results.
World Crocodile Day
- World Crocodile Day is observed annually on June 17 to raise awareness about the plight of crocodiles and the urgent need to conserve these ancient reptiles and their habitats.
- Purpose: To promote awareness, education, and action to protect crocodilian species worldwide—especially those facing threats like habitat loss, poaching, and human-wildlife conflict.
- First Observed: The day was initiated by The Crocodile Research Coalition and other conservation organisations.
Significance in 2025:
- In 2025, India is celebrating 50 years of the Crocodile Conservation Programme (launched on April 1, 1975), and Odisha is leading the celebrations, highlighting its foundational role in the recovery of all three native crocodile species:
- Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus)
- Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus)
- Mugger (Crocodylus palustris)
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Economic Implications
For Indian Exporters
- These reforms reduce transaction costs and compliance hurdles
- Encourage a more competitive and efficient export environment
- Promote value addition in key sectors like leather
For Tamil Nadu
- The reforms particularly benefit the state’s leather industry, a major contributor to employment and exports
- Boost the marketability of GI-tagged E.I. leather, enhancing rural and traditional industries
For Trade Policy
- These decisions indicate a shift from regulatory controls to policy facilitation
Reinforce the goals of Make in India, Atmanirbhar Bharat, and India’s ambition to become a leading export power
Recently, BVR Subrahmanyam, CEO of NITI Aayog, claimed that India has overtaken Japan to become the fourth-largest economy in the world, citing data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).
India’s rank as the world’s largest economy varies by measure—nominal GDP or purchasing power parity (PPP)—each with key implications for economic analysis.
