Indian forest officials released 40 critically endangered Gharial crocodiles into a river in the central state of Madhya Pradesh.

The forest officials performed the release on February 5 at the Deori Gharial Centre, located in Morena, in the presence of the Forest Minister of the state, Kunwar Vijay Shah.

Footage shows the baby gharials being released into the water from elongated cages.

Reportedly Minister Shah directed special monitoring of the newly released crocodiles. Furthermore, he enforced a ban over illegal sand mining in the region since it poses a threat to the reptiles. He also talked about strategizing policies regarding the protection of the forest officials in the area.

The forest officials of central India's Madhya Pradesh released 40 crocodiles into a river on February 5 in the presence of the Forest Minister of the state, Kunwar Vijay Shah.

The incident took place at the Deori Gharial Centre, located in Morena.

Visuals witnessing the incident feature the forest officials releasing baby crocodiles into the water. They bring the reptiles in several elongated cages and open the lid, facing towards the river. The crocodiles come out and slowly walk into the water. The forest officials gather on the banks to participate in the event. They pat the tops of the cages to make the crocodiles leave. Once in the water, the reptiles swim away.

The crocodiles were released into the Chambal river. Shah, along with the Divisional Forest Officers (DFO) of Gwalior, Bhind, Morena, and Sheopur, embarked on a motorboat and visited the Chambal Sanctuary region. Shah inspected the area and established the necessary guidelines.

He ensured security measures in the region and directed special monitoring of the newly released crocodiles. Furthermore, he enforced a ban over illegal sand mining in the region since it poses a threat to the reptiles. He also talked about strategizing policies regarding the protection of the forest officials in the area.