Context:

Recently, the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), in collaboration with the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG), launched a major conservation project aimed at safeguarding the endangered Indian Skimmer (Rynchops albicollis) and other riverine bird species across key stretches of the Ganga Basin.

Background:

• • • The Indian Skimmer is a distinctive riverine bird species, recognised for its unique bill adapted to skim water surfaces to capture fish.
    • India supports nearly 90% of the species’ global population, making national conservation efforts crucial for its long-term survival.
    • The species has witnessed severe population declines due to habitat loss, sand mining, altered river flows caused by dams, predation, and disturbance from human activities and livestock.

Objectives of the Project:

• • • Protect sandbar nesting habitats that are critical for Indian Skimmers and other riverine birds.
    • Systematically monitor riverine bird populations.
    • Strengthen community engagement for habitat protection and scientific data collection.

Strategic Approach:

• • • Community Participation
      • The project builds on the successful conservation model of the National Chambal Sanctuary, where active involvement of local communities significantly improved the nesting success of riverine birds.
      • Local residents will be trained as:
        • Nest Guardians — to protect nests and minimise threats.
        • River Guardians — to monitor bird populations and assist in data collection.
      • These roles are expected to enhance local stewardship of river ecosystems while providing supplementary livelihood opportunities.
    • Habitat Focus Areas: The initiative will operate across ecologically important river stretches, including:
      • The Chambal River
      • The Upper Ganga near Bijnor and Narora
      • The Ganga–Yamuna confluence at Prayagraj
      • The Lower Ganga near the Vikramshila Gangetic Dolphin Sanctuary in Bihar

Species Benefitted:

• • • In addition to the Indian Skimmer, the project targets other declining riverine bird species that act as indicators of river health, including:
      • Black-bellied Tern
      • River Tern
      • River Lapwing
      • Great Thick-knee
      • Little Tern
      • Little Pratincole

Alignment with National Policies:

• • • The project aligns with the Namami Gange Programme, India’s flagship initiative for Ganga rejuvenation and river biodiversity conservation. The programme integrates pollution abatement, maintenance of ecological flows, biodiversity conservation, and community participation under the NMCG framework.
    • NMCG has also been instrumental in implementing several ecological and biodiversity initiatives along the Ganga, including wetland conservation, aquatic biodiversity monitoring centres, and conservation support for endangered species such as the Ganga dolphin.

Significance:

• • • Eco-hydrological importance: Riverine birds like the Indian Skimmer depend on sandbar habitats and dynamic river flows, linking their conservation directly to sustainable river management.
    • Community-led conservation: By empowering local stakeholders, the initiative promotes grassroots ownership and long-term sustainability of biodiversity conservation efforts.

Conclusion:

The BNHS–NMCG project represents a science-based, community-centric conservation model for high-priority riverine species in the Ganga Basin. By safeguarding critical habitats and strengthening local participation, it exemplifies integrated biodiversity conservation within India’s broader river rejuvenation agenda.