Chitwan, March 4 -- Gharial, a critically endangered crocodile species, has been spotted near Devghat nearly after three decades, raising hopes among the locals and conservationists.

A gharial is now often sighted basking on the sandy banks of the Narayani river, rekindling memories among elderly residents who recall a time when the long-snouted reptile thrived in the Devghat area, confluence of Trishuli and Kaligandaki rivers and considered as a sacred place for Hindus. After the confluence, the river is called Narayani downstream.

According to the locals, the gharial has been seen for nearly a week on a sandbar on the Nawalparasi side of the river, a short distance downstream from Devghat. After the two rivers merge at Devghat, it bec...