Context

• A team from the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun, under the Namami Gange Program, visited the Indira Barrage in Lucknow for dolphin observations and shared insights on the situation.

Project Dolphin

• Project Dolphin is a significant conservation initiative launched by the Indian government in 2021 to protect and conserve both riverine and oceanic dolphin species.

Key Objectives:

• Conservation: The primary goal is to ensure the long-term survival of these endangered species.
• Scientific Research: Conduct comprehensive research on dolphin populations, their habitats, and the threats they face.
• Habitat Restoration: Improve the health of river and marine ecosystems.
• Community Engagement: Involve local communities in conservation efforts to foster a sense of ownership and responsibility.

Significance:

• Biodiversity Conservation: Protects a vital part of India's biodiversity.
• Ecosystem Health: Dolphins are an indicator species, and their conservation reflects the overall health of aquatic ecosystems.
• Public Awareness: Raises awareness about the importance of dolphin conservation and the need to protect aquatic environments.

Ganges Dolphin:

• International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN): Endangered.
• Indian Wildlife (Protection) Act 1972 : Schedule I .

Namami Gange Program

• The Namami Gange Program is a comprehensive and integrated conservation mission launched by the Indian government in 2014 with the primary objective of rejuvenating the River Ganga.

Key Goals:

• Pollution Abatement: The core focus is to significantly reduce pollution entering the river. This involves:
• Sewage Treatment: Construction and upgrading of sewage treatment plants (STPs) to treat wastewater before it reaches the river.
• Industrial Effluent Management: Controlling industrial pollution by ensuring proper effluent treatment and disposal.
• Solid Waste Management: Implementing effective solid waste management systems to prevent waste from entering the river.
• Riverfront Development: Enhancing riverfronts through:
• Ghat Development: Improving the infrastructure and aesthetics of ghats (riverbanks) for better access and public use.
• Crematoria Development: Modernizing crematoria to minimize pollution from funeral practices.
• Beautification: Enhancing the visual appeal of riverfronts through landscaping, lighting, and other beautification measures.
• Biodiversity Conservation: Protecting and conserving the river's biodiversity, including aquatic flora and fauna.
• Public Awareness: Raising awareness among the public about the importance of Ganga conservation and encouraging community participation.

Key Components:

• Sewage Treatment Infrastructure: A major focus is on expanding and improving sewage treatment capacity across the Ganga basin.
• Riverfront Development: Numerous projects are underway to develop ghats, crematoria, and other infrastructure along the riverbanks.
• Afforestation: Planting trees along the riverbanks to improve water quality, prevent soil erosion, and enhance the river's ecological health.
• Community Participation: Engaging local communities in conservation efforts through awareness campaigns, community-based initiatives, and river clean-up drives.