Union Jal Shakti Minister C.R. Paatil on Wednesday inaugurated a series of aquatic biodiversity conservation initiatives under the Namami Gange Mission at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun and reiterated the Centre’s commitment to treating rivers as living ecosystems rather than just water channels.
During the programme, the Minister launched the Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and other rivers, a dedicated facility jointly developed with the Wildlife Institute of India to support scientific monitoring, research and policy guidance on freshwater biodiversity. Equipped with ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, spatial ecology and microplastic labs, the centre will function as a hub for data-driven conservation strategies.
Paatil also inaugurated a Dolphin Rescue Ambulance aimed at providing specialised emergency response for Ganga dolphins in distress. Calling the dolphin a sensitive indicator of river health, he said the initiative strengthens ongoing conservation efforts for India’s national aquatic animal.
The Minister interacted with researchers and postgraduate students enrolled in WII’s two-year Master’s programme in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation, launched under Namami Gange. He said specialised training in freshwater science would help build capacity for river restoration, biodiversity protection and sustainable water management.
A plantation drive was also carried out at the institute and dedicated to the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Officials noted that riverbank afforestation is a key component of Namami Gange, contributing to ecosystem restoration.
The event additionally marked the formal launch of the Indian Skimmer Conservation Project by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), aimed at protecting rare bird species along river stretches of the Ganga. The initiative seeks to expand river conservation beyond aquatic life to include riparian avifauna and broader ecosystem health.
The progress of TSAFI’s Turtle Conservation Project was highlighted, with officials reporting successful reintroduction of endangered species such as the Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle and the Red-crowned Roofed Turtle through captive rearing, tagging and monitored release in the Yamuna and Ganga river systems.
Reviewing biodiversity conservation efforts undertaken by the Wildlife Institute of India with support from the National Mission for Clean Ganga, Paatil expressed satisfaction over outcomes and said India is advancing from river cleaning to safeguarding natural biodiversity and cultural heritage.
The Minister also interacted with Ganga Praharis—trained community volunteers engaged in river protection—and credited public participation for improvements in river health. He noted that the rise in the Ganga dolphin population to over 6,000 reflects cleaner and more life-supporting river ecosystems.
Two publications from WII were released at the event, including a conservation action plan for the endangered gharial and a volume titled “Millets for Life” linking biodiversity conservation with food and nutrition security.
Ministry said the initiatives mark an important milestone in advancing scientific interventions, institutional collaboration and community-led participation for long-term river rejuvenation and aquatic biodiversity conservation under the Namami Gange Mission.
