Government of India launched Crocodile Breeding and Management Project in partnership with the UNDP/FAO, in 1975. This project was aimed at the conservation of the three crocodilian species in India viz., Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus), Marsh crocodile (Crocodylus palustris) and the Saltwater crocodile (Crocodylus porosus). Initial surveys had revealed the gharial population to be on the brink of extinction due to hunting, habitat destruction and death due to fishing nets. Along with the establishment of protected areas, breeding and rearing centres were also started. DGRC is one of the first gharial rearing centres to established under the guidance of Dr. H. R. Bustard (FAO expert).
DGRC was created with the sole purpose of assisted recovery of the gharial population in its range DGRC is involved in collection of gharial eggs from wild, incubation and rearing of young until they achieve a size suitable for release in the wild.