By Shishir Prashant 
PrashantNews
Union Jal Shakti Minister C R Paatil on Tuesday inaugurated the National River Research Centre at the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) in Dehradun with an aim to strengthen scientific knowledge related to rivers and freshwater ecosystems in India and promote their conservation.
The Centre, with the facility of ecotoxicological analysis, spatial ecology, and aquatic ecology, is mandated to generate high-quality scientific knowledge on riverine and freshwater ecosystems and apply it to river rejuvenation, water-resource development, biodiversity conservation, and evidence-based policymaking.
Its core functions include river health and ecological monitoring, biodiversity assessments, applied research, and capacity building of institutions and stakeholders engaged in river conservation. Through participatory research, stakeholder engagement and livelihood-linked conservation initiatives, the NCRR will strengthen community and institutional involvement in protecting rivers and associated freshwater ecosystems.
The Centre will also provide scientific and technical advice to support national and state-level decision-making on river basin management. A strong outreach and awareness programme will be led by the NCRR to highlight the ecological, social, and economic importance of rivers and freshwater biodiversity. Currently, about 100 researchers are engaged in the Centre, and one of its kind MSc courses in Freshwater Ecology and Conservation is being run at the Centre.
During the inauguration, the Union Minister interacted with scientists, students, Ganga Praharis, and researchers working on the various aspects of aquatic biodiversity conservation in the Centre. The Minister released two publications, which are outputs of the NMCG–WII Ganga Rejuvenation and Biodiversity Conservation project. The first publication, “Population Status and Conservation Action Plan for Critically Endangered Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus) in the Ganga River Basin, highlights the conservation status and concerns of the Gharial. This was followed by release of a book, “Millets for Life”, was also released, which captures the spirit of the Ganga Rejuvenation Project by linking biodiversity conservation with food and nutrition security.
A report, “Conservation, reintroduction and rehabilitation of threatened turtles along Ganga River Basin in Uttar Pradesh,” prepared by TSA Foundation India, was also released. Union Minister Patil also flagged off a dolphin rescue van of TSAFI to enhance emergency response for Gangetic dolphins and other aquatic species. The Minister also inaugurated the Indian Skimmer Conservation Project of BNHS, marking a significant step towards the conservation of riverine bird species.