Kota Residents Rejoice: 41-Year Gharial Sanctuary Dispute Ends, 1.5 Lakh Freed

• Central government de-notifies populated areas along Chambal river in Kota from gharial sanctuary, ending a 41-year-old problem.
• Approximately 1.5 lakh residents and 40,000 houses across 730 hectares will benefit from this decision.
• Residents can now secure property leases, undertake construction, and access essential services like electricity and water.
• Development works by Municipal Corporation and Kota Development Authority will accelerate in areas like Kishorepura, Shivpura, and Sakatpura.
• Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla is credited for his efforts, while authorities assure gharial conservation remains unaffected.

Why It Matters: Kota's 41-year-old gharial sanctuary dispute ends, bringing relief and development to 1.5 lakh residents.