Aquatic biodiversity to be protected by setting up Turtle Sanctuary in Allahabad

Allahabad, October 4: Under Namami Gange Programme, the development of Turtle Sanctuary is undertaken by the government to protect the aquatic biodiversity of river Ganga sanctuary in Allahabad along with a River Biodiversity Park at Sangam.

 

This project will include the establishment of a Turtle Rearing Centre (Permanent nursery at Triveni Pushp and makeshift annual hatcheries), development of River Biodiversity Park at Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna, and mythical Sarasvati) and spreading the awareness about the importance of river Ganga which will cost Rs 1.34 crore.

The fully funded project by the central government will take up the task of providing the knowledge regarding river Ganga which is getting dissolved. This project will help generate awareness for reducing the impact of human activities on critical natural resources. The awareness among the visitors will be spread.

Rivers Ganga and Yamuna at Allahabad are home to some of the most endangered fauna like turtles (Batagur kachua, Batagur dhongoka, Nilssonia gangetica, Chitra indica, Hardella thurjii etc.), the National Aquatic Animal - Gangetic dolphin (Platanista gangetica), the Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) and numerous migratory and resident birds.

The nourishment of around 2000 aquatic species including threatened gharials, dolphins and turtles in river Ganga illustrates the biodiversity of river Ganga which is rich and is equal to 40 percent of the country’s population. Rivers Ganga and the Yamuna at Allahabad are home to some of the most endangered fauna like turtles, the National Aquatic Animal- Gangetic dolphin, the Gharial and numerous migratory and resident birds.