Clean Ganga Mission Introduces Dolphin Ambulance

The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) is spearheading several important initiatives under the Clean Ganga Mission, focusing on the preservation of the Ganga’s biodiversity, particularly endangered species like the Ganga Dolphin. These efforts are part of a larger vision to restore the ecological balance of the river while protecting the flora and fauna that depend on it. One of the key initiatives in this mission is the launch of a special Dolphin Ambulance to aid in the rescue of injured Ganga Dolphins, a species vital to the river’s ecosystem.

Dolphin Ambulance Initiative

• The special ambulance will be used for rescuing injured Ganga River Dolphins, the national aquatic animal of India.
• The project, titled “Advancing Rescue System for the Protection of Stranded Ganges River Dolphins,” has an estimated budget of Rs 1 crore.
• The initiative will also raise awareness for dolphin conservation and train communities for better management and response to dolphin-related issues.

Along with the Dolphin Ambulance, NMCG has approved several other conservation projects aimed at safeguarding aquatic life in the Ganga and its tributaries. These projects highlight the significant role the Ganga plays in preserving not just the river’s physical cleanliness but also the life it sustains.

Key Projects Approved

Turtle Conservation Project

• The NMCG approved a project for the conservation of endangered turtle species in the Ganga basin, specifically in Uttar Pradesh.
• The project aims to rehabilitate and reintroduce three highly threatened turtle species.
• The estimated cost of the project is Rs 78.09 lakh.
• It also includes establishing a spatial monitoring and reporting tool at the National Chambal Sanctuary to track the progress of the conservation effort.

Environmental Flow Assessment of Key Rivers

• A project for assessing the environmental flow of important rivers like Chambal, Son, Damodar, and Tons was also approved.
• The goal is to study water quantity and quality, improve natural flow patterns, and document biodiversity within these river systems.
• The estimated budget for this project is Rs 11 crore.

“Rag-Rag Mein Ganga – Ek Jeevan Dhara” (Season 3)

• NMCG also approved the third season of the travelog series, which showcases the importance of the Ganga and conservation efforts from a fresh perspective.
• The season will focus on topics like ecological balance, the protection of aquatic life, eco-tourism, cultural heritage, and community involvement in conservation.