A Thriving Ecosystem, A Healthier Ganga, Pg9

Key Highlights:

• The population of Ganges River Dolphin has shown significant recovery, with a recent nationwide survey recording 6,324 individuals.
• Conservation efforts for endangered species like crocodiles and turtles in the Ganga river have expanded.
• Over 205 lakh fish fingerlings have been released into the Ganga under the Namami Gange Programme to restore the river's food chain.

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Detailed Insights:

• The Namami Gange Programme, launched in 2014, is a flagship initiative focused on reducing pollution and rejuvenating the Ganga river ecosystem.
• Project Dolphin, announced in 2020, aims to conserve both riverine and oceanic dolphins, modeled after Project Tiger.
• The Ganges River Dolphin is India's National Aquatic Animal, listed as "Endangered" by IUCN, and protected under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.
• The first comprehensive nationwide survey recorded 6,327 riverine dolphins in India, including 6,324 Ganges River Dolphins and 3 Indus dolphins.
• Uttar Pradesh and Bihar account for the highest populations of Ganges River Dolphins in India.
• The release of 205 lakh Indian Major Carp fingerlings since 2017 is part of a scientific river ranching program by ICAR-CIFRI to enhance fish diversity.
• Efforts have led to the return of critically endangered species like the Red-Crowned Roofed Turtle (Batagur kachuga) to the Ganga after decades.
• Community-led initiatives, involving local farmers and "Ganga Mitras," are crucial for protecting turtle eggs and nesting sites.
• Extensive afforestation work, covering over 33,024 hectares along the riverbanks, has contributed to the ecological health of the Ganga.
• Dolphins are considered apex predators and serve as indicator species, signifying the overall health of the river ecosystem.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Ganges River Dolphin (Platanista gangetica): India's National Aquatic Animal, an endangered freshwater dolphin species found in the Ganga-Brahmaputra river systems.
• Namami Gange Programme: A flagship Central Government initiative launched in 2014 for the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga River.
• Project Dolphin: A wildlife conservation movement initiated in 2020 to protect riverine and oceanic dolphins in India.
• Indicator Species: A species whose presence, absence, or abundance reflects the environmental conditions of a habitat.