Bhubaneswar: Odisha today proudly marked the 50th anniversary of Project Crocodile, a landmark initiative that has propelled the state to the forefront of crocodile conservation in India.
The state-level event, organized by the Wildlife Headquarters, Forest, Environment and Climate Change Department, Government of Odisha, coincided with International Crocodile Day and was held at the Golden Jubilee Assembly Hall, College of Agriculture, OUAT, Bhubaneswar.
The event was graced by the Minister of Forest, Environment & Climate Change and Labour & Employees State Insurance, Ganesh Ram Singkhuntia, who delivered a video message.
Satyabrata Sahu, Additional Chief Secretary, Home, FE & CC Dept., emphasized the critical role of crocodiles as indicator species of healthy wetland ecosystems, reaffirming the state’s unwavering commitment to their protection.
He highlighted Odisha’s pioneering efforts, particularly in Bhitarkanika and Satkosia, where focused strategies like breeding programs, habitat restoration, and active community involvement have significantly boosted crocodile populations.
ACS, Shri Sahu said Odisha stands as the only Indian state to have successfully conserved all three native species of Indian crocodiles: the Saltwater Crocodile, Mugger, and the critically endangered Gharial. Since its inception in 1975, Project Crocodile has spearheaded a remarkable revival of these magnificent reptiles from the brink of extinction.
A key highlight of the celebration was the launch of a documentary chronicling five decades of crocodile conservation in Odisha. This was accompanied by the release of a special book on Gharials, a comprehensive brochure on 50 years of crocodile conservation, and a detailed Conservation Report. Eminent crocodile experts, Dr. L. A. K. Singh, Dr. Sudhakar Kar, and Dr. Sudarshan Maharana, were felicitated for their invaluable, lifelong contributions to the cause.
Prem Kumar Jha, IFS, PCCF Wildlife & CWLW, in his welcome address, shared significant milestones of Odisha’s journey in crocodile conservation, alongside detailing conflict mitigation strategies and the provision of ex-gratia financial assistance for crocodile-related incidents. Prize winners from painting, debate, and photography competitions, held as part of the celebrations, were also awarded.
The Vice-Chancellor of OUAT, Shri Pravat Kumar Roul, and PCCF & HoFF, Shri Suresh Pant, also addressed the gathering, acknowledging the significance of the occasion.
The 50-year celebration of Project Crocodile not only pays homage to Odisha’s remarkable conservation legacy but also reinforces its renewed dedication to a future where crocodiles and communities thrive in mutual harmony. The celebrations will continue with a National-Level Workshop on crocodiles scheduled for June 18th, bringing together experts and officials from across India, followed by a week-long awareness program across crocodile range divisions in the state until June 25th.