The Union Ministry of Jal Shakti has launched a set of new initiatives under the Namami Gange Mission at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, with a focus on river rejuvenation, aquatic biodiversity, and ecosystem-based conservation. The initiatives place emphasis on treating rivers as living systems, where water quality, species health, and habitat integrity are closely linked. The programme included the inauguration of a dedicated monitoring centre, a dolphin rescue ambulance, new academic and conservation projects, and the release of key publications on river species.
Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre
The newly inaugurated Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and Other Rivers will support scientific monitoring of aquatic biodiversity. It has been developed by Namami Gange in partnership with WII as a dedicated institutional framework for research and policy support.
- The centre will use modern technology and data-driven methods for species monitoring.
- It includes ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, and spatial ecology laboratories.
- A microplastic laboratory has also been set up to identify pollution hotspots.
- The centre is expected to guide future conservation strategy and policy formulation.
Dolphin and Turtle Conservation
A Dolphin Rescue Ambulance was also inaugurated to provide rapid response for Ganga dolphins in distress. The Ganga dolphin is regarded as a sensitive indicator of river health and ecological balance.
- The initiative strengthens rescue and conservation efforts for India’s national aquatic animal.
- The success of the TSAFI Turtle Conservation Project was brought into light.
- Fifteen captive-reared Narrow-headed Softshell Turtles were released into the middle Yamuna.
- Twenty Red-crowned Roofed Turtles were reintroduced into the Upper Ganga near Haiderpur Wetland Complex.
Research, Education and Community Action
Under Namami Gange, WII has launched a two-year Master’s programme in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation. The course is designed to train students in river science, wetland studies, fieldwork, and policy analysis.
- The programme supports future conservation professionals.
- A plantation drive was undertaken under the Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam campaign.
- Tree plantation was linked to river ecosystem protection.
- Ganga Praharis and local communities were acknowledged for their role in river cleanliness and conservation.
Publications and Wider Ecosystem Focus
Two publications were also released. One covers the population status and conservation action plan for the critically endangered gharial. The other, Millets for Life, connects biodiversity conservation with food and nutrition security.
- The Indian Skimmer Conservation Project was formally launched.
- It aims to protect rare riverine bird species along the Ganga.
- The initiatives reflect a broader shift from river cleaning to full ecosystem conservation.
- The mission links flow, cleanliness, biodiversity, and community participation in one integrated approach.