Turtle Sanctuary to be set up in Allahabad

The Union Ministry of Water Resources has approved project to set up Turtle sanctuary in Allahabad along with River Biodiversity Park at Sangam in Allahabad, Uttar Pradesh under Namami Gange programme.
The purpose of the Turtle sanctuary is to protect the rich aquatic biodiversity of river Ganga from escalating anthropogenic pressures.

Key Facts

The approved project includes development of River Biodiversity Park at Sangam (confluence of Ganga, Yamuna and mythical Sarasvati Rivers), establishment of Turtle Rearing Centre (Permanent nursery at Triveni Pushp and makeshift annual hatcheries) and awareness about importance of Ganga River and imperativeness of its conservation has been approved.
This project will provide platform to make the visitors aware of their place in ecosystem, their roles and responsibilities, improve their understanding of the complexity of co-existence with environment. It will also help to generate awareness for reducing impact of human activities on critical natural resources.

Need for such Projects

The sustenance of more than 2000 aquatic species including threatened gharials, dolphins and turtles in river Ganga exemplifies rich biodiversity of River Ganga which is lifeline to over 40% of India’s population. Rivers Ganga and Yamuna at Allahabad are home to some of most endangered fauna like turtles (Batagur kachuga, Batagur dhongoka, Nilssonia gangetica, Chitra indica, Hardella thurjii etc.), Gangetic dolphin- National Aquatic Animal, Gharial and numerous migratory and resident birds.

Month: Current Affairs - October, 2017