Once known for its bandits, Chambal river has now become a lifeline for wildlife
The Chambal region of Agra, once notorious for its infamous dacoits, is now a thriving sanctuary for rare wildlife. The area, historically known for clashes between police and dacoits, has undergone a remarkable transformation. On World Nature Conservation Day, India Today visited Chambal and witnessed the surprising revival of endangered species like the Indian Skimmer and the rare turtle species in the Chambal River.
The sight of numerous aquatic and terrestrial animals roaming freely in Chambal not only delighted visitors but also left them astonished. A forest officer told India Today that the significant increase in wildlife populations over the past year has been encouraging for the department.
The Chambal River was designated for the conservation of critically endangered gharials in 1979. At that time, their population was 250, which has now surged to 2,456. Additionally, the number of crocodiles has reached 928, and the Chambal now hosts 111 dolphins.
According to information obtained by India Today, the globally endangered turtle species, primarily found in Chambal, has found a sanctuary here. The rare Indian Skimmer, once critically endangered in 2015, has seen its population rise from 224 to 843, with 178 chicks born this year alone. Other bird species, like the Black-bellied Tern and River Tern, are also breeding successfully in Chambal. Ranger Uday Pratap Singh noted that not only the river but also the Chambal ravines are proving to be favourable habitats for wildlife.
In the areas near Rajasthan, the population of blackbucks and chitals has grown to over 850, while the number of leopards has increased from 44 to 49.
| Species | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Skimmer | 740 | 843 |
| Gharial | 2108 | 2456 |
| Crocodile | 878 | 928 |
| Dolphin | 96 | 111 |
Vishal Sharma, Secretary of the Agra Tourist Welfare Chamber, suggested that Agra, known for its tourist attractions like the Taj Mahal, could benefit from developing Chambal as a tourist destination. With proper lighting, gardens, and the construction of accommodations for night stays, the area could become a major revenue-generating tourist spot, allowing visitors to explore historical sites by day and enjoy the natural beauty of the Chambal valleys by night.
Social activist Vijay Upadhyay also highlighted that Chambal, once feared for its dacoits, could become a renowned tourist destination if developed properly.
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