Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C.R. Paatil inaugurated a series of landmark aquatic biodiversity conservation initiatives under the Namami Gange Mission at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, on January 14, 2026.
He emphasised that rivers must be seen not only as water channels but as ecosystems supporting life.
The Minister launched the Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and Other Rivers, a dedicated facility for research, policy support, and monitoring of aquatic biodiversity. Equipped with labs for ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, spatial ecology, and microplastic analysis, the centre will strengthen scientific research and guide conservation strategies.
Shri Paatil also flagged off the Dolphin Rescue Ambulance, designed to provide a rapid and sensitive response for Ganga dolphins in distress. He noted that the dolphin, India’s national aquatic animal, serves as a vital indicator of river health.
The programme included the launch of the Indian Skimmer Conservation Project by BNHS and highlighted the success of TSAFI’s Turtle Conservation Project, which reintroduced endangered species like the Narrow-headed Softshell Turtle and Red-crowned Roofed Turtle into the Yamuna and Ganga.
The Minister interacted with MSc students enrolled in WII’s new Master’s program in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation, encouraging them to dedicate their careers to river rejuvenation. He also participated in a plantation drive under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign.
Shri Paatil praised the role of Ganga Praharis and local communities, noting that their active participation has contributed to cleaner rivers and a growing dolphin population, now exceeding 6,000. He stressed that India is moving forward with full commitment to cleaning rivers and conserving biodiversity for future generations.
