While the Union Environment and Forest Ministry stopped giving financial assistance to the conservatory about a decade ago, the aid from the Uttar Pradesh Government has also dwindled, over the years.

Deputy wildlife conservator (threatened wild life project) A K Singh admitted that there were many doubts about the future of the centre because of the lack of funds.

He said that it was unfortunate that the centre, despite being equipped with all facilities, was not working up to expectations as it was not receiving adequate aid.

The setting up of the centre in Kukrail in 1975 marked the beginning of state government's efforts towards conservation of crocodiles at a time when only 300 of them had been left in the world. The centre was started by the Uttar Pradesh forest department in collaboration with the Union Forestand Environment Ministry.

In Uttar Pradesh, crocodiles are found in the Ramganga, Suheli, Girwa and Chambal rivers. The female crocodile lays eggs in April by digging holes on the river banks. The young crocodiles hatch in a period of 60 to 80 days.

Crocodile eggs for the Kukrail conservatory are collected from the Chambal bank. When young crocodiles come out of these eggs after artificial hatching at the centre, they are fed and looked after till they become capable of defending themselves against sharks and predatory birds.

The young crocodiles are then released into the waters of Chambal, Sharda, Ghaghra, Girwa, Ramganga and Ganga rivers.

So far, the Kukrail conservatory has released 2,566 young crocodiles into the different rivers while 184 crocodiles have been gifted to various zoos. At present, the centre has 489 crocodiles.

Although the Central Government gives an aid of Rs 6.40 lakh to the centre, the amount is not enough for conservation work. A major portion of the amount is spent on thepay of employees.

The conservatory received central aid only upto 1987.

The museum is also not maintained properly for lack of funds.