Aquatic Biodiversity Initiatives Launched under Namami Gange | 15 Jan 2026

Why in News? 

On 14 January 2026, Union Jal Shakti Minister Shri C. R. Paatil inaugurated a suite of aquatic biodiversity conservation projects under Namami Gange at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun.

Key Points:

• New Center: A dedicated national hub, Aqua Life Conservation Monitoring Centre for Ganga and Other Rivers, established to support scientific monitoring, research, and policy guidance for freshwater biodiversity. 
  • New Facilities: The centre houses labs for ecotoxicology, aquatic ecology, spatial ecology, and microplastics analysis. 
• Dolphin Rescue Ambulance: A specially equipped Dolphin Rescue Ambulance (operated by TSAFI) was launched to provide rapid, scientific emergency response for distressed Ganga dolphins. 
• Indian Skimmer Conservation Project: Formally launched in collaboration with the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) to provide a structured conservation plan for this rare bird species along the Ganga basin. 
• Species Protection: New conservation plans were launched for the Gangetic Dolphin and the Hilsa fish, focusing on habitat restoration. 
  • Biodiversity: The Ganga basin is home to over 2,500 species of flora and fauna. 
• Namami Gange Phase II: Shifts focus from just "Aviral" (continuous flow) and "Nirmal" (unpolluted flow) to include Gyan Ganga (research) and Arth Ganga (economic sustainability). 
• Significance: It will serve as a scientific hub for long-term monitoring of aquatic species, research on freshwater ecology and policy support and evidence-based decision-making.