Chandigarh, Oct. 28 -- Nearly three months after being rescued from Rajasthan's Indira Gandhi Canal network, an adult gharial has been released into Punjab's Beas River Conservation Reserve. This is a key development in efforts to conserve the critically endangered crocodilian species, officials said.

The gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) was released on October 24 after officials kept it at Mahendra Chaudhary Zoological Park, Chhatbir, for nearly three months. It underwent veterinary assessment and rehabilitation there before being deemed ready for release.

On July 30, officials rescued an adult gharial measuring more than 12 feet in length from the Indira Gandhi Canal after nearly five months of coordinated monitoring.

The rescue and sub...