The National Centre for River Research (NCRR) is currently working in the project mode assigned to the Wildlife Institute of India (WII), Dehradun through National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and National River Conservation Directorate (NRCD) in order to cater to the need of other Indian Rivers through the project “Assessment of ecological status of select Indian rivers for conservation planning”. The research outputs generated by the Centre regarding river biodiversity and ecological health are shared with respective State Governments. These outputs are intended to serve as technical scientific baselines for on-site interventions in identified polluted river stretches and requisite reforms in existing policy frameworks for river conservation. Currently, the scope of ecological assessment covers nine rivers in the Ganga Basin and seven rivers in other basins in the country.

During its initial phase, the NCRR has prioritized ecological assessment of select major rivers and floodplain wetlands across India. This comprehensive research focus encompasses the systematic evaluation of riparian biodiversity status and identification of various anthropogenic pressures alongside pollution gradients. The Centre is also dedicated to the mapping of priority stretches for strategic conservation planning and evaluating ecological resilience to better understand the long-term impacts of climate change on river ecosystems.

Coordination is maintained through a collaborative framework involving State Governments, implementing agencies, academic institutions and non-governmental organizations. The mechanism for this coordination includes organizing regional workshops, consultative meetings and dissemination of knowledge products & research publications through both print and electronic media. This ensures that ecological findings are integrated into the broader conservation efforts of various stakeholders.

The ecological assessment of the initial sixteen identified rivers and associated wetlands is an ongoing process, with the scope being progressively expanded to other river systems. Findings and recommendations derived from these studies are shared with State Governments for consideration in their respective rejuvenation and implementation plans. Besides, under National Water Quality Monitoring Programme, Central Pollution Control Board, in association with State Pollution Control Boards/ Pollution Control Committees, monitors the water quality of rivers and water bodies through its established networks.

The information was provided by THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR JAL SHAKTI SHRI RAJ BHUSHAN CHOUDHARY in a written reply to a question in Lok Sabha today.

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ND

(Lok Sabha USQ 1056)

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