The Union government has approved the development of a Turtle sanctuary in Allahabad along with a River Biodiversity Park at Sangam under Namami Gange programme to protect the rich aquatic biodiversity of river Ganga from growing anthropogenic pressures.
This project will be initiated at an estimated cost of Rs 1.34 crore and it would include expansion of River Biodiversity Park at Sangam (convergence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati), establishment of a Turtle Rearing Centre (Permanent nursery at Triveni Pushp and makeshift annual hatcheries) and to raise awareness about the significance of river Ganga and imperativeness of its conservation has been agreed.
This Turtle sanctuary project will give much needed platform to make the people aware of their place in the ecosystem, improve their understanding of the complexity of co-existence with the environment, their task and responsibilities, and help generate awareness for reducing the impact of human actions on crucial natural resources.
The task of dissipating knowledge about river Ganga will be taken up ardently in this project, which is 100 percent centrally funded.
The sustenance of more than 2000 marine species including dolphins, endangered gharials, and turtles in river Ganga exemplifies the rich biodiversity of this lifeline to over 40% of the country’s population.
Rivers Ganga and Yamuna at Allahabad are home to some of the most scarce fauna like turtles (Batagur dhongoka, Batagur kachuga, Nilssonia gangetica, Hardella thurjii, Chitra indica etc.), the National Aquatic Animal - Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and numerous migratory and resident birds.
About Namami Gange Programme
Namami Gange Programme is an Integrated Conservation Mission, approved as ‘Flagship Programme’ by the Union Government in June 2014 with budget outlay of Rs.20,000 Crore to accomplish the twin objectives of effective abatement of pollution, conservation and rejuvenation of National River Ganga.
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