C.R. Paatil Charts New Direction in Fresh Water Ecology Conservation
Dolphin Rescue Ambulance, Aquatic Life Monitoring Centre and Conservation Projects Launched at Wildlife Institute of India
Dehradun, Jan 14 Union Minister for Jal Shakti, C.R. Paatil, on Thursday reiterated the Government of India’s commitment to protecting rivers as living ecosystems and not merely as water channels. Emphasising that the true measure of river health lies in thriving aquatic biodiversity, the Minister inaugurated several key initiatives under the Namami Gange Mission at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun.
Addressing a special programme at WII, Minister launched advanced projects aimed at river rejuvenation and aquatic life conservation. The event was attended by senior officials including Dr. Vinay Kumar Ruhella, Vice Chairman, State Disaster Management Authority, Uttarakhand; Dr. Gobind Sagar Bhardwaj, Director, WII; and Rajeev Kumar Mital, Director General, National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG).
A major highlight was the inauguration of the Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and Other Rivers, developed by NMCG in collaboration with WII. The Centre will function as a national hub for research, monitoring and policy support for aquatic biodiversity conservation. Equipped with laboratories for ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, spatial ecology and microplastics analysis, the facility will support science-based decision-making and long-term conservation strategies.
The Minister also inaugurated a Dolphin Rescue Ambulance under the TSAFI programme to provide rapid and scientific emergency response for Ganga dolphins in distress. Terming the dolphin a sensitive indicator of river health, Shri Paatil said the initiative reflects the government’s seriousness towards conserving India’s national aquatic animal.
During his visit, the Minister interacted with researchers and MSc students of WII. Under Namami Gange, WII has launched a two-year Master’s programme in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation, aimed at building skilled professionals for river restoration, biodiversity conservation and sustainable water management. Shri Paatil appreciated the students for choosing the specialised course.
The Union Minister also carried out a plantation drive at WII under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, highlighting the role of afforestation in maintaining river ecosystems.
The event witnessed the launch of the Indian Skimmer Conservation Project by the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), strengthening conservation efforts for rare riverine bird species. The success of the first phase of TSAFI’s Turtle Conservation Project was also highlighted, including scientifically monitored reintroductions of endangered turtle species into the Ganga and Yamuna river systems.
Reviewing the outcomes of biodiversity projects supported by NMCG, Shri Paatil expressed satisfaction with the progress and stated that India is advancing towards holistic river conservation encompassing cleanliness, uninterrupted flow and biodiversity protection.
Interacting with Ganga Praharis, the Minister noted that community participation and youth engagement have played a vital role in river conservation. He highlighted that the Ganga dolphin population has crossed 6,000, indicating improving river health and the success of collective efforts.
Two publications from WII were also released during the programme—one on the population status and conservation action plan for the critically endangered Gharial, and another titled “Millets for Life”, linking biodiversity conservation with food and nutrition security.
The initiatives launched at WII mark a significant step in strengthening aquatic biodiversity conservation under the Namami Gange Mission, reinforcing a scientific, institutional and community-driven approach to river rejuvenation.
