Raipur. The conservation and rehabilitation of crocodiles is important because it fulfills our responsibility to protect wildlife and promotes crocodile conservation. The Crocodile Conservation Reserve, Kotmisonaar, established within the Janjgir-Champa Forest Division of Chhattisgarh, is emerging as a successful example of wildlife conservation, rural development, and tourism. This center was established with the aim of conserving and promoting crocodiles.

Not all crocodile species are endangered, but due to the extremely low populations of some species, their management and protective legislation are required. The Crocodile Conservation Project was initiated in India under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972, by the Government of India. Its primary objectives are to protect natural habitats, promote crocodile populations through captive breeding, and address the low survival rate of young in the natural environment.

The Forest Department identified Mudtalab in Kotmisonar village of Janjgir-Champa district for crocodile conservation. Crocodiles from various ponds in the district were brought here and released in a safe environment. Currently, approximately 250 crocodiles are protected here. The project began on May 9, 2006, with the foundation stone laid by the then Chief Minister, Dr. Raman Singh, and was inaugurated on August 23, 2008, by the then Forest Minister, Brijmohan Agrawal. Spread over an area of ​​approximately 57,037 hectares, the center has a 34-hectare core zone and a 23,037-hectare buffer zone. The Forest Department has also developed it for tourism purposes, providing facilities such as a pagoda, watch tower, interpretation center, cafeteria, children's park, energy park, and a 3-D mini theater.
It is noteworthy that a tourism fee has been implemented here since November 1, 2015. Due to the increasing number of tourists, Kotmisonar village is now developing into a small market, providing regular employment opportunities to the local villagers. The Crocodile Conservation Reserve, Kotmisonar, is not only playing a vital role in wildlife conservation but also strengthening the local economy through tourism. The Mudatalab Crocodile Conservation and Tourism Centre at Kotmisonar is easily accessible. It is located approximately 25 kilometers from Janjgir district headquarters and approximately 30 kilometers from Bilaspur via Jairamnagar. The nearest railway stations are Janjgir-Naila (30 km), Kotmisonar (1 km), Akaltara (9 km), and Bilaspur (30 km).