National Chambal Sanctuary

•  The National Chambal Sanctuary, also known as the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary, is a tri-state protected area spread across Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, and Uttar Pradesh. 
•  It covers an area of about 5,400 sq. km, forming a long, narrow eco-reserve along the Chambal River. 
•  The sanctuary was first declared a protected area in 1978–79, with coordinated management by the three states. 
•  It is one of India’s most important riverine ecosystems, characterised by ravines, sandy banks, and relatively unpolluted waters.
Geographical Features
•  The sanctuary lies along the Chambal River, which originates in the Vindhyan ranges and flows through Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Uttar Pradesh before joining the Yamuna River. 
•  The riverine landscape includes deep ravines, steep valleys, and sandy beaches, providing ideal habitat for aquatic and semi-aquatic species. 
•  The Chambal is considered one of the cleanest rivers in northern India, which supports high biodiversity. 
Biodiversity Significance
•  The sanctuary is a critical habitat for several endangered and endemic species: 
o  Gharial (Critically Endangered) 
o  Ganges river dolphin (Endangered) 
o  Red-crowned roof turtle (Critically Endangered) 
•  Other important fauna include mugger crocodile, otters, and a variety of freshwater turtles. 
•  The sanctuary supports around 290 species of birds, including migratory and resident species. 
•  Major migratory species include :
o  Flamingoes (winter migrants: November–May) 
o  Ruddy Shelduck (arrives September–May) 
o  Indian Skimmer (notable breeding colonies)
Conservation Importance
•  The sanctuary represents the last major stronghold of the gharial in India. 
•  It plays a key role in conserving riverine biodiversity, which is otherwise highly threatened in India. 
•  The relatively low industrial pollution in the Chambal River makes it unique among north Indian rivers.
Project Crocodile (1975)
•  The Project Crocodile was launched to address the sharp decline in crocodilian populations due to poaching, habitat loss, and human activities. 
•  The Chambal River was selected as a major site for gharial conservation and reintroduction programmes. 
•  Captive breeding and release initiatives helped revive the gharial population in the sanctuary.
Administrative and Regional Importance
•  The sanctuary is co-managed by three states, making it an example of inter-state conservation cooperation. 
•  In Uttar Pradesh, it covers parts of Etawah and Agra districts (approx. 635 sq. km). 
•  It forms part of a broader network of river conservation areas in India.
Conservation Challenges
•  Crucial threats included poaching, illegal fishing, sand mining, and habitat degradation. 
•  Ongoing pressures include: 
o  River water diversion and dams 
o  Sand mining affecting nesting sites 
o  Human encroachment and disturbance 
•  Conservation success depends on maintaining ecological flow and habitat integrity.