Key facts
- The Namami Gange program has resulted in ecological revival of the Ganga river.
- 33,024 hectares of forest cover have been established along the riverbanks.
- A nationwide survey recorded 6,324 Gangetic dolphins.
- The return of turtles, otters, and hilsa fish signifies improved river health.
- Over 203 lakh Indian Major Carp fingerlings have been released to boost fish biodiversity.
The Namami Gange program, launched in 2014, has initiated a significant ecological revival along the Ganga river, marked by extensive afforestation and the return of key aquatic species. The National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) reported that 33,024 hectares of forest now line the riverbanks, a development directly linked to the recovery of aquatic life.
India's first nationwide survey of the Gangetic dolphin revealed a population of 6,324 individuals, underscoring the program's success in restoring habitats. The NMCG emphasized the interconnectedness of these efforts, stating that returning trees help stabilize soil, which in turn clears the water, allowing fish to return, and subsequently, dolphins to follow.