Patna: On the third day of Wildlife Week 2025, the Bihar government signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) to strengthen gharial conservation efforts in the state. The agreement was formalised on Saturday at Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park in Patna.
Principal Secretary Anand Kishore said the government was committed to setting “a new example” in wildlife protection, noting that Patna Zoo ranks second in the world for gharial conservation. He expressed hope that Bihar would soon lead the country in protecting the endangered species.
Abhay Kumar, Additional Principal Chief Conservator of Forests and Chief Wildlife Warden, announced that an incubation-cum-interpretation centre will be established in Bettiah. He recalled that in 2015 the Gandak River had fewer than 50 gharials, but after rehabilitation measures—including the release of 30 gharials from Patna Zoo—the population has surged to more than 370.
WTI director Dr Sameer Sinha said the Gandak River now ranks just behind the Chambal in gharial conservation, calling it “a matter of pride for Bihar.”
Principal Chief Conservator of Forests P.K. Gupta added that a book by the late S.P. Shahi, former Chief Wildlife Warden, would soon be displayed at the zoo’s Nature Library. He noted that rivers such as the Kosi, Mahananda and Son also have high conservation potential.
Zoo director Hemant Patil said Patna Zoo records 80–85 baby gharials each year, with projections of over 90 births in 2025, underscoring the success of Bihar’s breeding programme.
The event was attended by senior officials of the state’s Environment, Forest and Climate Change Department, along with representatives of WTI, including CEO Jose Luis.
