Bhopal (Madhya Pradesh): Madhya Pradesh harbours highest number of alligators in India, informed proud Chief Minister Mohan Yadav on Friday. Of total 3000 alligators in the country, 2,800 are present in Madhya Pradesh’s National Chambal Sanctuary itself, he added, inviting the tourists to visit the park.
In a video posted by CM Yadav’s official X handle, he said, “I am pleased with the fact that our state Madhya Pradesh houses the largest number of alligators in India. These water animals are nurtured in the National Chambal Sanctuary which is connected to two other states.”
CM Yadav further revealed that, other than the alligators, the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtles are also found in the Chambal river. “The river is also home to the Gangetic River dolphin, a rare national aquatic animal.”
The CM also said winters are the best season to see the alligators and visit the National Chambal Sanctuary as the amphibians come out from the water to soak up sunlight on the land.
“I invite the entire country to come and visit the wonders of Madhya Pradesh, including the National Chambal Sanctuary. This would satisfy your curiosity and also add to the honour of Madhya Pradesh’s tourist places and heritages,” the CM concluded.
Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle rare species
The red-crowned roofed turtle (Batagur Kachuga) is a freshwater turtle species that is found in the National Chambal River Gharial Sanctuary. The Chambal River is one of the last viable habitats for the species.
Chambal supports 8 of the 26 rare turtle species found in India, including the Indian narrow-headed softshell turtle, three-striped roof turtle, and crowned river turtle.
The National Chambal Sanctuary is also known as the National Chambal Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary. It was established over the Chambal River in 1979 under the crocodile conservation project.
