[3] Recognizing the importance of conserving riverine fauna including the Gharial, the Government of Madhya Pradesh declared the area comprising the Son River and its main two tributaries as the Son Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary by an order dated 23 September 1981.

[4] The rivers, its small islands and sandbanks are important habitats for several endangered and vulnerable species such as the gharial, Mugger crocodile and Indian softshell turtle.

[5] The number of gharials in the sanctuary had been declining steadily due to the disappearance of the male population.

[8] The release of water from Bansagar Dam during the dry season also affects the breeding of Indians kimmers.

[8] Complaints had been raised regarding illegal mining activities near the border of the environmentally sensitive Son Gharial Wildlife Sanctuary.