News: The Union Minister for Jal Shakti has inaugurated several significant and far-reaching initiatives under the Namami Gange Mission to strengthen scientific research, monitoring and policy support for aquatic biodiversity conservation.
Landmark Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation Initiatives under the Namami Gange Mission
Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre
- The Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and Other Rivers was inaugurated at Wildlife Institute of India (WII) as a dedicated institutional framework for aquatic biodiversity conservation.
- The Centre will support systematic monitoring, research, hotspot identification and policy formulation for aquatic species.
- The Centre is equipped with specialised laboratories for ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology and spatial ecology.
- A dedicated microplastics laboratory has been established to assess microplastic pollution in river ecosystems.
Dolphin Conservation and Rescue Ambulance
- A Dolphin Rescue Ambulance was launched to provide rapid, scientific and sensitive emergency response for Ganga dolphins in distress.
Conservation of Riverine Bird Species
- The Indian Skimmer Conservation Project, launched by the Bombay Natural History Society, focuses on protecting rare and endangered bird species along the Ganga’s riverine stretches.
- The project highlights the importance of conserving the entire river ecosystem, including avian biodiversity.
Turtle Conservation and Species Recovery
- The first phase of the Turtle Conservation Project demonstrated successful revival of endangered turtle species through scientific reintroduction and monitoring.
- Endangered species such as the Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle and the Red-crowned Roofed Turtle were reintroduced into the Yamuna and Ganga rivers using modern tracking technologies.
Capacity Building and Education
- A two-year Master’s programme in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation has been launched under the Namami Gange Mission to develop skilled professionals for river restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable water management.
Knowledge Creation and Publications
- A conservation action plan for the critically endangered Gharial was released, providing insights into its distribution in the Ganga basin.
- A publication linking biodiversity conservation with food and nutrition security through millets was also launched.
