National River Research Centre Inaugurated in Dehradun
Union Minister of Jal Shakti C R Patil inaugurated a major national facility in Dehradun on Tuesday. The new center is dedicated to river research and freshwater ecosystem conservation. It is located at the Wildlife Institute of India campus.
A Hub for Scientific Support
The facility is named the National Centre for River Research. It also carries the designation of Ganga Aquatic Biodiversity Conservation and Monitoring Centre. This center will operate as a crucial scientific and policy support unit. It functions under the National Mission for Clean Ganga.
Minister Patil emphasized the center's role in enabling evidence-based decisions. He stated it would support sustainable river management and protect aquatic species. The minister highlighted its importance in addressing growing ecological threats. These threats include river pollution, biodiversity loss, and climate change impacts on freshwater habitats.
Part of Broader Ganga Rejuvenation
This initiative forms a key part of the larger Ganga rejuvenation efforts. The National Mission for Clean Ganga is the implementing body. It operates under the National Ganga Council within the Jal Shakti Ministry. Since its establishment in 2011, NMCG has collaborated with various research institutions. The Wildlife Institute of India has been a lead partner on biodiversity and conservation projects.
Dr. GS Bhardwaj, the director of WII, explained the center's objective. He said the National River Research Centre aims to strengthen scientific knowledge about India's rivers and freshwater ecosystems. Its mission is to promote their conservation.
Key Publications and Projects Launched
During the inauguration program, Minister Patil released two significant publications. These documents resulted from the collaboration between NMCG and WII. One report is titled Conservation, Reintroduction and Rehabilitation of Threatened Turtles along Ganga River Basin in Uttar Pradesh. The Turtle Survival Alliance Foundation India prepared this report. The publications outline fieldwork-based recovery plans for freshwater species.
To aid rescue operations for endangered aquatic animals, the minister flagged off a special vehicle. This is a specially-equipped dolphin rescue van managed by TSAFI. Patil also inaugurated the Indian Skimmer Conservation Project. The Bombay Natural History Society runs this project. It focuses on protecting the endangered riverine bird found along fragmented stretches of India's rivers.
Engagement with Stakeholders
The minister interacted with scientists, students, and Ganga Praharis. Ganga Praharis are a volunteer network engaged in community-based river protection. These individuals shared field-level challenges and conservation stories from their respective states.
