Jaisalmer: A 12-foot-long adult gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) was rescued from the Indira Gandhi Canal in Jaisalmer district after it drifted hundreds of kilometres from Punjab’s Beas River, and it was sent back to Punjab Friday under a special interstate conservation initiative for rehabilitation before release into its natural habitat.The joint operation was carried out by the Rajasthan Forest Department and the Indira Gandhi Nahar Project (IGNP) Stage-II authorities after the reptile was spotted in the Lehrika Minor canal near Mohangarh. A specialised rescue team safely captured the mature gharial using expert wildlife handling protocols.Gharial is one of the world’s most critically endangered crocodilian species.Deputy Conservator of Forests (IGNP Stage-II) Devendra Singh Bhati said wildlife experts believe the reptile had accidentally entered the extensive Indira Gandhi Canal network from Punjab’s Harike Wildlife Sanctuary and travelled hundreds of kilometres before reaching western Rajasthan.Following a preliminary veterinary examination, the Forest Department obtained approval from the Chief Wildlife Warden of Rajasthan and completed all statutory formalities before handing over the animal to a 10-member team from the Wildlife Division, Ferozepur, Punjab. The gharial was then transported under standard operating procedures to Chhatbir Zoo near Chandigarh.Officials said the gharial will remain at Chhatbir Zoo for about a week for detailed veterinary examination, treatment of any injuries, observation and acclimatisation before being released into the Beas Conservation Reserve. Forest authorities explained that animals rescued after long-distance movements often experience considerable stress, making temporary rehabilitation essential before reintroduction into the wild.Punjab Forest Department officials revealed that the gharial’s movement had been monitored for nearly 25 kilometres along the canal system. Rescue efforts were delayed during the peak rabi irrigation season because of high water levels and strong currents. With water discharge reducing towards the end of July, the operation was successfully executed.The transportation was carried out in accordance with the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, and IUCN guidelines for the safe handling and movement of crocodilian species.Officials said the Beas Conservation Reserve has emerged as one of India’s most important gharial conservation sites. Under a joint programme of the Punjab Forest Department and WWF-India, 94 juvenile gharials were reintroduced into the Beas River between 2017 and 2021, with monitoring showing encouraging survival and adaptation across the Beas-Harike-Sutlej river system. The rescued adult is believed to be one of these reintroduced individuals that accidentally drifted into the canal network before reaching Mohangarh.Calling the operation a landmark conservation success, DCF Devendra Singh Bhati said the rescue reflects effective inter-state coordination in wildlife conservation. The Forest Department has appealed to people not to disturb or attempt to capture wild animals and instead immediately alert authorities to ensure their safe rescue and rehabilitation.
