Guwahati, June 30 -- 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 o...