CHITWAN: Fifteen gharials grown at the Crocodile Breeding Centre, Kasara, have been released into the Rapti river. According to Chitwan National Park Chief Conservation Officer Bed Kumar Dhakal, there was a plan to release some 100 crocodiles in various rivers this year. As many as 1,380 crocodiles bred at the centre have been released into rivers in different parts of the country so far. A crocodile attaining five years of age is considered fit to live in a river. The centre currently has more than 500 crocodiles. Bed Bahadur Khadka, assistant conservation officer at the centre, said only one of the giant reptiles released is male. The latest census put the number of this animal in Rapti River at 118 and the Narayani River at 101, CNP Information Officer Gopal Ghimire said. The centre has chosen Kaligandaki, Saptakoshi, Karnali and Babai rivers besides Rapti and Karnali for the release of crocodiles. When the reptiles flow down to India, their return is impossible due to barrages on rivers. (RSS)