Guwahati: The sighting of a young gharial in the Kekaidong River in West Karbi Anglong has drawn attention to wildlife conservation and the condition of Assam’s rivers and biodiversity.
In a statement on Tuesday, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma described the sighting of the juvenile gharial as an “encouraging sign” for the state’s natural environment and biodiversity. He said the presence of the species indicates that Assam’s rivers and forests are becoming safer habitats for wildlife.
The statement also prompted reactions from environmental observers and members of the public.
Some environmental observers said that while the sighting is a positive development, it should not be considered conclusive evidence of an overall ecological revival without broader scientific assessment.
They noted that Assam’s rivers once supported a larger gharial population and said the limited presence of the species also reflects concerns over habitat loss and environmental degradation.
They also pointed to issues such as illegal sand and stone mining, deforestation, industrial pollution, encroachment on natural habitats and the decline of wetlands.
According to them, the condition of ecosystems should be assessed through long-term conservation efforts rather than isolated wildlife sightings.
Some environmental commentators also raised concerns about climate change and the impact of development activities on natural habitats.
They called for stronger environmental protection measures and greater public awareness about conservation.
Experts said the presence of a species can indicate favourable ecological conditions, but a comprehensive assessment requires scientific studies of habitat quality, population trends, food availability and environmental stability.
They said continued conservation measures, environmental governance and the protection of rivers, forests and wetlands remain important for preserving Assam’s biodiversity.