In a landmark move for riverine ecology, the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) officially approved the first-ever dedicated project for avifauna conservation.
The initiative marks a strategic evolution in the Namami Gange Mission, expanding its protective umbrella from aquatic species to the avian life that depends on the river’s unique geological features.
The project specifically targets the protection of breeding habitats for sandbar-nesting birds, with the endangered Indian Skimmer serving as the flagship species. Unlike many other birds, these species do not build traditional nests; instead, they lay their eggs directly on the exposed sandbars that emerge during the dry season. This makes them exceptionally vulnerable to human activity, fluctuating water levels, and the illegal sand mining that often plagues riverbanks.
The official mandate:
Presided over by Rajeev Kumar Mittal, Director General, NMCG, the committee emphasized that the health of a river is best reflected in the diversity of its inhabitants. By focusing on the “indicator” species of the skies, the government aims to create a more holistic model of river rejuvenation.
“This is a first-of-its-kind initiative focusing on avifauna. It will complement NMCG’s existing work on dolphins, fish, and turtles and will complete the focus on river-related faunal biodiversity,” Mittal said during the proceedings.
The project will be rolled out across several critical stretches of the Ganga and its tributaries. While monitoring will continue in established conservation zones like the Chambal and Lower Ganga, the mission will now initiate intensive protection and monitoring efforts in Bijnor, Narora, and Prayagraj. These sites are recognized as vital nodes for bird migration and breeding in North India.
Community-led, nature-based solutions:
The strategy moves away from purely administrative oversight toward a community-participation model. Local villagers and Ganga Praharis (Guardians of the Ganga) will be trained in scientific nest monitoring and habitat protection. By deploying these trained local teams, the NMCG hopes to significantly reduce anthropogenic disturbances during the sensitive breeding months of March to June.
Beyond bird protection, the 68th meeting also prioritized Nature-based Solutions (NbS) for urban challenges. The committee approved in-situ treatment projects for major drains in Delhi—including the Shastri Park and Gaushala drains—which will use rock filters and aquatic plants to treat raw sewage before it enters the Yamuna.
Rejuvenation:
Complementing the biodiversity push, the government also greenlit a comprehensive master plan for the Gomti River’s origin site at Pilibhit.
This plan integrates ecological restoration with the preservation of cultural identity, featuring catchment area treatment alongside the development of ghats and yoga mandaps.
This multi-faceted approach signals that the 2026 phase of the Namami Gange program is no longer just about infrastructure and sewage plants. It is about a living Ganga, where the survival of an endangered bird is as critical a metric of success as the purity of the water itself.
By bridging the gap between science and community action, India is setting a new global standard for Ganga River basin management.
